Rupp Arena was packed on Friday, Oct. 24, with two of the nations best colliding in a ranked matchup. An outsider would think surely that with all the parking spaces filled and the concession lines packed against the wall that this was a mid-season game.

“It’s just an exhibition game” was the sentenced repeated on social media after Kentucky’s 13-point win, and although it serves a true remark, it doesn’t define the full stands, the passionate fan base and the confidence-filled team that all witnessed make their debut.

What can we actually learn from an exhibition matchup? Is there true pressing details in scheme and analytics that can be drawn? To a degree, yes, but many aspects of basketball can visually tell the viewer what is to come in the future.

The Kentucky Freshmen are Extremely Confident and Skilled

Although the Wildcats’ 25-26 roster is loaded with experienced pieces, the incoming freshmen class featuring Jasper Johnson, Malachi Moreno and Braydon Hawthorne all displayed extreme confidence in their respective time on the court.

Sure, maybe the box score shows that Hawthorne didn’t necessarily do anything, but his role was extremely major in the four seconds he touched the court.

As the first half was winding down, Hawthorne checked into the game with 4.3 seconds remaining. Having not checked into the game, Mark Pope decided that the freshman’s length was necessary on the final defensive play of the half.

Hawthorne would tower his wingspan over star Purdue guard Braden Smith and would get the tip of the ball on the inbound, leading to a Moreno steal that would elevate a potential bucket. Although Moreno missed the layup, Hawthorne’s stature limited the Boilermakers from having any momentum heading into the half.

Pope had major praise for Hawthorne after the game, stating he’s the best man for the job in scenarios like that. “His length is ridiculous…it’s extremely difficult, in that situation he’s the best guy on our team by far.”

Since he mentioned his steal near the end of the half, Moreno’s game needs to discussed. Finishing the night with eights points, four rebounds and a block and a steal off of the bench is good by any standards, but doing it in his first collegiate game against another team is telling.

Moreno showed shades of being underdeveloped in his state tournament run; obviously he dominated the stat sheet and led Great Crossing to a championship, but at times he looked soft at times when he had to get physical in the trenches.

That wasn’t the case on Friday night at all. Moreno displayed elite footwork, ball tracking and wasn’t afraid to bump and bang down low.

After the game, Pope said he was blown away by Moreno’s development. “I saw the same player that you saw…he’s just made incredible progress…he’s got a chance to be, to grow into a really special player.”

Last, and certainly not least, Johnson tore the roof off of the entire arena with his 15-point performance. The hype became real the moment the star freshman touched the court, and it was quite apparent that Johnson had no idea what an adjustment period is.

Taking fading threes and showing off his handle, with shades of Rob Dillingham, the “oohs” and “ahs” became a repeated trend amongst Big Blue Nation.

It was clear that Johnson was the must-see attraction and he outdid his previous expectations. After the game, covered in towels and surrounded by his teammates, Johnson made a statement that reached national media.

“I ain’t gonna lie, I feel like we the best team in the country for sure.”

Is that a stretch? You be the judge, but I think most fans would agree.

The Depth of the Roster Is Apparent

Exhibition game or not, it’s tough playing without three of your players. Jaland Lowe (shoulder), Jayden Quaintance (knee surgery) and Reece Potter (illness) were all absent in Kentucky’s first action of the season, but that didn’t prove to matter.

Every single Wildcat that logged a minute in the game scored, got a rebound and tallied an assist. When playing 10 different guys throughout the game, having balance, team chemistry and depth matters so much to the game of college basketball

Denzel Aberdeen stepped up for Lowe’s absence, Brandon Garrison replaced Quaintance even though he knew that would happen and Trent Noah was plugged into the starting lineup.

Each played major roles in Kentucky’s win, and after a season plagued with injuries, the “next man up” state of mind is important to establish early on.

Kentucky Played Handicapped, Missing Star Players

As mentioned before, Lowe and Quaintance, as well as Potter didn’t suit up for the game and were forced to look on and watch their team blow by the No.1 team in the nation.

With reason, one has to imagine how much larger Kentucky would have made its deficit if they had played.

Lowe is a true point guard who can run an offense with ease and beat defenders downhill, which would benefit to the play style of last night, which read “find the open guy” and “make the right pass.” Likewise, Quaintance and Potter, both very capable of being double-double machines, would have paint position on the roll and would be able to get some easy dunks and layups to go.

Again, imagine that interchanged combo on the court with Otega Oweh, Johnson and Noah. Kentucky very well could’ve walked out of the game with 100 points on the scoreboard, or at least close to it.