Gillispie: Kentucky can get better

Jodie Meeks ranks sixth nationally in scoring at 24.8 points per game. Andy Lyons/Getty Images

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Despite what has been a red-hot December, Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie says the Wildcats aren't acting like they've finally arrived.

After returning to practice from a few days off for Christmas, Gillispie said the Wildcats (9-3) are energized and focused, something he says he has never experienced with past squads.

"They probably look better than any team I've had come back (from the break)," he said.

Gillispie said there was no sign in practice Friday that his team has gotten lazy or satisfied after reeling off nine wins in 10 games.

"I haven't seen a team come back as focused, as intense, and determined and hungry as this team," he said.

The Wildcats have come into form since losing to Miami earlier in the month, winning four straight and averaging 88.8 points in their last three games.

Most of the production has come from guard Jodie Meeks, who ranks sixth nationally in scoring at 24.8 points a game, and forward Patrick Patterson, who ranks fourth in the nation in field goal percentage (71.1). That tandem alone scored 65 points in Kentucky's 102-58 win against Tennessee State on Monday.

Gillispie says the players continue to improve in practice, especially on offense. But what surprises the coach the most is how eager his team has been to fix even their most minor problems.

"I think they're starting to understand that for us to go to another level we need to carry out responsibilities intently and we have to execute much better," Gillispie said. "Because the real season is now here."

Gillispie's self-proclaimed perfectionist attitude seems to have rubbed off on his players.

"I think our team usually gets better as the year goes on, and we usually peak at the right time," Gillispie said.

The Wildcats look to shake off any Christmas rust against Florida Atlantic (4-8) on Saturday, a team Gillispie says hasn't been playing to its potential. The Owls have lost seven of their last eight but can be dangerous if taken lightly, Gillispie said.

"After the Christmas break you see renewed intensity and that's what we have to fear," Gillispie said.

The Wildcats may be without forward Ramon Harris. The junior remains hampered by a back injury and was unable to finish practice Friday. His status for Saturday is uncertain.

Guard Jarvis Walker, a junior college transfer who joined Kentucky at the start of the season but has seen limited playing time, has quit the team for academic reasons. Gillispie said he believes Walker will continue playing collegiate basketball elsewhere.

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