A reporter said it all when he asked a question about Immanuel Quickley: “You guys ever have to worry that Immanuel isn’t going to show up?”
The short answer, based on the way Quickley has played this season, is no. The long answer, since even the ultra-consistent Quickley can have an off night, is that the Wildcats can always rely on the sophomore guard to come focused, engaged and ready to play. With the way he works, it’s no wonder why.
“The kid lives in the gym,” John Calipari said.
Whichever version of the answer you prefer, Quickley is an indispensable presence as a scorer, defender and leader for Kentucky as the Wildcats prepare for another deep NCAA Tournament run.
Quickley is the leading scorer for a UK team playing its best as it heads into the postseason. He averaged 16.2 points to go with 4.3 rebounds while shooting 42.0% from 3-point range during the regular season. The sophomore guard spent most of the first two months of the season as the Wildcats’ sixth man, but he was simply playing too well not to start.
Starting with an 18-point performance in a win over Louisville, Quickley scored in double figures in 20 straight games to close the regular season. Over that time, Quickley averaged 18.6 points and shot 47.2% from 3. In SEC games, Quickley finished the regular season third among all players with an offensive rating of 124.4.
Quickley is also among the most reliable free-throw shooters in the country, shooting 92.3% (144 for 156) during the regular season. He missed more than one free throw in a game only once during the regular season and had a school record-tying 14-for-14 performance in a win over Mississippi State. He also made all 11 of his free throws in an SEC title-clinching win over Auburn.
Steady in pressure situations, Quickley is UK's closer. During UK's season-long eight-game winning streak in February, Quickley is averaged 14.9 points in the second half alone on 15-of-26 3-point shooting. He played all but three minutes in the second half of those games.
Quickley is unfazed in tough road environments, averaging 19.1 points and 4.8 rebounds. He shot 29 of 49 (57.4%) from 3-point range in those games, helping lead UK to a 8-2 record. That winning percentage of .800 was third among power-conference teams to finish the regular season and sixth overall.
Quickley might be deservedly well known for his efficient offensive performances, but his defense should not be ignored. Thanks to good size, a huge wingspan for a guard and always knowing where to be, Quickley can guard multiple positions effectively.
He has taken on assignments ranging from Louisville All-America candidate Jordan Nwora to star Georgia freshman Anthony Edwards. He helped hold Nwora to eight points on 1-of-10 shooting in his most impressive outing to date.
“He’s really bothering people and making it difficult,” Calipari said. “That’s what a good defender does.”
Even if Quickley has an off night – rare as those might be for him – he’s still going to make an impact.