Former four-star becoming a pleasant surprise for the Wildcats

The Kentucky Wildcats got some unexpected help from their bench.

The Kentucky Wildcats just lost their first game of SEC play in overtime to Texas A&M. 

Kentucky fought hard against the Texas A&M Aggies but just collapsed in overtime, only scoring three points compared to the Aggie's eight. As many expected heading into this ball game, rebounding was an issue for the Wildcats as Texas A&M had second and even third opportunities to score almost every time down the floor. Kentucky's defense also needs to be better, as the Aggies were just walking to the basket and dropping in wide-open layups. 

One of the surprises in this game in a positive way was sophomore seven-footer Ugonna Onyenso. Aaron Bradshaw couldn't stay on the floor in College Station thanks to fouls, so Onyenso played extra minutes in this ball game and shined. Onyenso played 32 minutes, scoring seven points to go with ten rebounds and five blocks. He was efficient, going 3-5 from the field, and boosted this team with Bradshaw glued to the bench. 

After the Texas A&M game Kentucky Coach John Calipari had this to say about Onyenso, "I thought he did good. Had a couple plays, there was one in regulation where he didn't get over and a guy goes down and it's an and-one. Come on man, we're saying it every timeout. A couple balls that he could have gotten, but I'll tell you he was blocking shots, he was rebounding in traffic, he's 7-foot tall. Aaron, it wasn't his game. It's what happens sometimes."

No question Onyenso needs to keep improving, but he did a lot well in this game, with Bradshaw only getting to play six minutes. If Onyenso can continue to work on his rebounding and post offense, those things, mixed with his shot-blocking ability, will make him a star.