Chandler Hopes to Build on Freshman Season

One year ago, things were much different for Kentucky guard Collin Chandler. He had just finished a two-year mission trip, had followed head coach Mark Pope to Kentucky and was trying to get his bearings in his new surroundings with so many changes going on in his life. What’s different for Chandler this time around?

“I feel like I know my environment a little bit better,” he said. “I was coming in a little bit blind last year of what to expect. Coming home as a missionary is a whirlwind, life changing, as well as playing basketball for the first time and then also playing basketball at a very high level. I didn’t really know what to expect or how to go about it.”

With one year of college basketball experience under his belt, Chandler knew how to tackle the offseason.

“I feel like this year, in the offseason, I knew exactly what I’m supposed to be working on,” he said. “I know what I can do. I have a lot of experience on the court for what I can do and things I can get better at. So, I think I have a lot better vision of what I need to do. I think that’s the biggest difference.”

What are the things that he has focused on during the offseason?

“In basketball, what’s required to be a good player and getting better is stacking days,” Chandler said. “Just coming in one day after another and stacking those.”

As a freshman last season, Chandler played in 30 games for the Cats, averaging 2.7 points per contest. He scored a career-high 11 points in a win over LSU on March 4, and he played significant minutes in the postseason for Kentucky. Now, he is one of four returning players on the UK roster. What has he seen from his new teammates?

“Our first official day was (Monday),” he said. “We have been here on campus for a good little bit and playing pickup, spending a lot of time together. It has been great and I’ve loved all these guys coming in. I feel like we’ve clicked very well.”

While many things are the same for Chandler, there is one big change in his life.

“I got married in the offseason, so that took a lot of our time and our thoughts,” Chandler said. “We took our honeymoon, so that was fun. Being with family, it was good to be with my family. It was a good few months to be there with my family.”

Chandler admits to having some jitters on his wedding day.

“I was as nervous as I’ve ever been,” he said. “I was a wreck. But it all went good, it turns out there was nothing to be nervous about.”

His wife, Hannah, is now Chandler’s built-in support system and he’s very grateful for her.

“I have somebody to go home to and talk to. She’s great. She makes my life 10 times better,” Chandler said. “Hannah’s been very important to me for a long time and has played a huge role in my life.”

While things at home are new for Chandler, he’s hoping that being familiar with his surroundings and knowing the expectations will boost him in his sophomore season.