re: X factor at UK

UK is too good and long. They don't need to play zone (unless someone has a great night and is just killing them with penetration).

I think Smart may be the X factor, but it would be on defense. He'll take some dumb chances, but I think he is LSU's best perimeter defender. (1) he's athletic and (2) he's competitive as hell and WANTS to lock you down if he feels doing so is a challenge. The game vs. Auburn really changed in the second half when he started guarding Harper. Harper was 4-5 from 3 in the first half. He was 1-3 in the second half with Smart as his primary defender.

Smart will be big in helping defend Herro and Johnson. I also like him in big games. He's a guy who absolutely does not shy away from the spotlight or a challenge.