The fast-breaking Kentucky team looks like the best in the U.S.

Published in Life Magazine January 20, 1947 , pp. 49, 51-52.

Kentucky's Clifford Barker races up to the basket, leaps high in the air and makes a shot right over the nose of one of opposing players

The fast-breaking, razzle-dazzle type of basketball shown above is the sort of thing that has made the University of Kentucky squad just about the best college team in the U.S. As the basketball season got into full swing last month Kentucky had won 26 straight games, a big-league erformance exceeded in recent years only by Army's star-studded squad.

The reason for Kentucky's winning record is that the players pay less attention to precise floor plays than they do to downright speed. This technique places heavier emphasis on fast, good basketball playing, less on the seven-foot "goons" who were the basketball heroes of the war years. The fast-moving games has also contributed some surprising shifts in the lineups. As a result two Kentucky players who are former all-Americans have spent most of the winter riding the bench.

The Fast Break (above) gets Kentucky players (white shirts) down court in position for a shot well ahead of three Wabash College defenders. In this game they also sank an amazing 44% of their shots. Such speed explains lopsided final score: 96-24. Kentucky has scored an average of 67.9 points this year to 36.8 for its opponents.

When a Kentucky player gets the ball the whole team races down the court, leaving the opposing team no time to set up a defense. This crowd-thrilling technique is the exact opposing of that used by last year's outstanding team, Oklahoma A.& M. (LIFE, Dec. 17, 1945), which concentrates on controlling the ball. But the slower-moving style has also proved effective. Although Oklahoma is rated a poorer team, its less spectacular play last month gave the galloping Kentuckians their only beating.

The High Scorer Ralph Beard (with ball), has made 165 points this year. Coach Adolph Rupp thinks Beard is the greatest college player in the country. He is a big favorite with the crowd because of his fancy dribbling, his ability to shoot or pass at great speed and because he always plays with a huge wad of gum in his mouth.

Shot Chart developed by Coach Rupp shows Reserve Center Bob Brannum mistakes he made in a game. Jagged lines tipped by arrows mean fumbles.

Defense Drill is held by Rupp (in shirtsleeves) after game while sportswriters finish up (right). Rupp has won 295 games and lost only 65 in 17 years.

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