That’s exactly what happened in Lexington this week, as Kentucky’s coaching staff walked out of the Joe Craft Center with a new level of belief — and a fresh understanding of just how good this team might be.
Even without Otega Oweh and Jayden Quaintance, who both sat out as precautions due to minor injuries, the Wildcats’ intensity and chemistry were impossible to miss. The energy in the gym felt different — sharper, louder, and more connected than it’s been all fall.
> “You could feel it right away,” one staff member said. “It wasn’t about highlights or big plays. It was how they talked, competed, and held each other accountable. That’s when you know a team’s turning the corner.”
With two key players sidelined, others stepped into the spotlight — and thrived. Collin Chandler controlled the floor like a veteran, mixing composure with aggression and setting the tone for the offense. Malachi Moreno dominated inside, flashing improved mobility and confidence that had coaches nodding from the sideline. Mo Dioubate continued to prove why he’s the emotional heartbeat of the roster, while Trent Noah brought the same blend of toughness and shooting that makes him a quiet leader in every drill.
Mark Pope’s staff didn’t need a full roster to see what they needed to see. This wasn’t about running plays — it was about identity. And what they saw was a team that’s starting to practice like a championship contender.
> “We’ve talked about culture since day one,” Pope said earlier this week. “Now you’re seeing it take root. It’s not talk anymore — it’s habits.”
That’s the kind of practice that tells a coaching staff everything it needs to know — who’s bought in, who’s ready, and how high the ceiling really is.
So while Oweh and Quaintance are expected to return soon, Kentucky’s staff left the gym that day with something even more valuable: belief.
Belief that this team, even short-handed, has the maturity, chemistry, and edge to compete with anyone in the country.
And that’s why, behind closed doors, expectations in Lexington just quietly got a lot higher.
