Kentucky freshman Bryce Hopkins has had limited opportunities during his initial campaign at Lexington. But when the Illinois native was called upon in Wednesday's win over LSU, he worked in a big way.
Hopkins, who came to Kentucky as a top 50 recruit in the nation out of high school, showed a glimpse of that promise with a career-high 13 points, in the second half, with Kentucky winning 71–66 at Roop Arena. .
Hopkins was at the center of an 11-0 run that sent the Cats from an eight-point deficit to a three-point lead at the start of the second half. Hopkins scored nine of the UK's 11 points, giving the Cats the lead that they would never give up.
Prior to Wednesday's game, Hopkins had scored only 47 points overall in 24 games played this season. His previous career was seven points against both North Florida and Ohio in November. He did not score in Kentucky's last seven games. In those three games, Hopkins did not play.
Hopkins scored the most points in the 2022 calendar year against Tennessee on January 15. Before Wednesday, he had scored just eight points since January 1. So it was not something that many people saw coming.
To his credit, Hopkins knew what his team needed on Wednesday, and he delivered.
Hopkins said, "I think I played well today. I noticed in the first half that we were playing a little slow." "So, in the second half, the coach was saying we needed a little bit more energy, so that's what I tried to do when I came into the game, just try to bring in the energy and contribute as much as I can."
And the Cats needed Hopkins' contribution this night. For the second game in a row, the UK was without guard from Ty Ty Washington Jr. and Sehveer Wheeler.
UK head coach John Calipari was pleased that Hopkins was finally able to make a substantial contribution to his team.
"What he did today was turn around and he went into the offensive glass, he tried to defend, he was involved in everything, made a stick back, made a 15-foot distance," Calipari said. "But there was nothing like crazy-but we're all talking about him because he did what the team needed him to do."
Calipari liked how Hopkins responded to the coach's call to work harder.
"He did it because I said I was playing with the guys who were going to fight," Calipari said. "If you're not fighting, I'm not playing you. And I went with him. The team was very happy for him and I was too."
Hopkins had continued to work and was looking forward to his chance to become a contributor. He got that chance on Wednesday and is happy with the way he has responded.
"Well, that's one thing the coach always tells us is to just wait for our opportunity," Hopkins said. "Today was mine and I just took advantage of it. I was staying at the gym, just working on my game and today was the day I finally took a break."
Hopkins' contribution to this night gives Calipari another option as the cats prepare for what is expected to be a memorable march.