Monk Gets Back on Track in UK Win

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – What’s wrong with Malik Monk? Where has Malik’s shot gone? Is he pressing? What’s changed?

The 19-year-old freshman heard the questions. He was asked them repeatedly during every media availability that Kentucky has had during its postseason run.

During much of the first half of Friday evening’s Sweet 16 game against third-seeded UCLA at FedExForum, those questions persisted in the minds of all those watching second-seeded Kentucky slug it out with the Bruins.

Then the second half began. And Monk was back. And Kentucky was different. Now Kentucky’s moving on.

Behind 21 points from Monk, including 14 in the second half, and a heroic effort from freshman backcourt mate De’Aaron Fox, the Wildcats put away the Bruins, 86-75, and advanced to their sixth Elite Eight in eight seasons under head coach John Calipari’s direction.

“Malik started slow, but then came on and made some shots that created a gap,” Coach Cal said.

After scoring seven points on 3-of-6 shooting in the first half, Monk hit four of his first five shots in the second half and scored 10 consecutive points for the Wildcats in a 2:04 stretch, bookended by a pair of 3-pointers.

“He scores in bunches, that’s what he does,” Isaiah Briscoe said. “He makes his first two shots coming out of the half, the basket just gets bigger, then there’s no stopping him.”

Monk acknowledged his strong play in the locker room following UK’s win, which avenged a December loss to the Bruins that snapped the Wildcats’ 42-game home winning streak, but was quick to point out Fox had the better game.

In the grand scheme of things, who had the better game between UK’s two All-Southeastern Conference guards is a moot point. What does matter is that UK was able to shake off a so-so start and maintain its lead throughout the entirety of the second half.

“We both had a pretty good game; he had a better game,” Monk said of Fox. “Like he said, that’s what we came here for, to play the best teams and have the best moments.”

Monk’s 21 points mark his highest point total since Feb. 28, and it was the first time Monk had hit four 3-pointers in a game since Feb. 25. That the performance came just 45 minutes from his hometown of Lepanto, Arkansas, made the evening even sweeter for the second team All-American.

“I’m at home, got a lot of fans here, a lot of family here,” Monk said. “I just wanted to play well and I think I played alright.”

The UK freshman scoring record holder had scored in double figures in each of his first 29 collegiate games, including a freshman record 47 against North Carolina, UK’s Elite Eight opponent Sunday, on Dec. 17.

But in the Wildcats’ regular-season finale at Texas A&M, he put up just six points on 2-of-10 shooting. The following game, UK’s SEC Tournament opener against Georgia, he had two points on 1-of-7 shooting. This was the same Georgia team Monk had torched for 37 at the end of January.

He woke up early and went through private shootarounds to try to build up a sweat before the SEC Tournament’s early tip times. That worked momentarily, as he scored 20 points against Alabama in the SEC Tournament semifinals, but he still wasn’t having those games that left viewers shaking their heads in disbelief.

Throughout the entire process, Monk’s confidence never wavered, and his mindset to keep shooting was as persistent as ever. 

So, what changed between those struggles and Friday’s breakthrough? Nothing.

“All the same,” Monk said. “Did everything the same.

“It’s always good to see basketballs go in the basket. I’m just thankful for that.”

Earlier in the season, when Monk was scoring 20-plus points on a near-routine basis, the Wildcats’ defense was more of an eyesore than thing of beauty. Now, with Monk’s scoring appearing to be back on track, paired with a remarkably improved defensive effort by the Wildcats over the first three games of the NCAA Tournament, who knows what Kentucky is capable of.

“I feel like we’re unstoppable if he’s hitting,” UK senior Dominique Hawkins said of Monk. “I feel like he’s probably the best shooting guard that comes off picks and shoots for us.”