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Stifling defense always has been a staple under coach Tubby Smith, and this season is no exception--Kentucky ranks first in the SEC in fewest points allowed per game. One difference this year, though, is point guard Rajon Rondo. He wasn't the most heralded recruit among the team's talented foursome of freshmen, but he has become the most indispensable.

Rondo is a joy to watch play defense, but he is a nightmare for opposing guards. His long arms, huge hands and quickness allow him to get into passing lanes to deflect and steal passes. He also has a knack for poking away balls from players with their backs to him. Rondo's 2.6 steals per game rank tied for first in the SEC.

"As a coach, he always makes me nervous when he's around the ball," Auburn's Jeff Lebo says. "He's got great anticipation and physical characteristics that make him very dangerous on the defensive end. He's somebody you always worry about."

Rondo already has had some eyebrow-raising moments at Kentucky. He tied a school record with eight steals in a February 19 game against Mississippi State. Earlier that month, he contained All-SEC guard Anthony Roberson in the second half, allowing Kentucky to overcome a nine-point deficit against Florida.

Although Rondo helps spark the Wildcats in transition, he still needs work on offense. He struggles with his outside jumper and is a 56.0 percent free throw shooter. Smith has pulled Rondo late in tight games so other teams can't foul him. Rondo generally makes good decisions but must be more aggressive as a scorer when he gets in the lane. Defenses expect him to pass, and he must learn when to make them pay for not respecting his shot.

Still, his shortcomings are forgivable on a team that needs his ability to generate turnovers and transition baskets because it struggles in halfcourt sets. As with most freshmen, Rondo is a work in progress. Fortunately for Kentucky, his defense is a finished product.

One HOT--or COOL--Cat

If you like defense, Kentucky is a great team to watch.
But it's questionable whether the Wildcats can get enough
out of their halfcourt offense to make a deep tourney run.
One key might be the 3-point shooting of Patrick Sparks,
who showed during a recent stretch that he runs hot and cold.

1/25
vs. Tennessee
4-for-10
19 points

2/5
vs. Vanderbilt
2-for-6
15 mints

2/12
vs. Georgia
3-for-5
14 points

2/19
vs. Mississippi State
4-for-9
14 points

2/26
vs. Alabama
7-for-10
26 points

1/29
vs. Arkansas
1-for-5
5 points

2/8
vs. Florida
0-for-5
2 points

2/15
vs. South Carolina
1-for-6
6 points

2/23
vs. Auburn
1-for-5
5 points

COPYRIGHT 2005 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning