Brandon Garrison has his best game as a Wildcat vs. the Gamecocks

Brandon Garrison was a huge piece for the Kentucky Wildcats off the bench in Saturday’s win over South Carolina.

Garrison, who had his best game since coming to Lexington, was doing just about everything you could imagine on the offensive end of the floor. In only 21 minutes of play, he had a season-high 15 points on 7/8 shooting from the field. He looked like a brand-new player with the ball in a must-win game for Kentucky.

The sophomore center had full confidence in his offensive abilities. He was also running the pick-and-roll at a high level with the Kentucky guards. His jump shot also seems to be improving as the season continues, as we saw him knock down his sixth made 3-pointer of the season against the Gamecocks.

Garrison had a recent string of games where he was unable to get in a rhythm on the offensive end of the floor, but the big man has not lost a drop of confidence in his game, and it finally paid off.

In the second half against the Gamecocks, Garrison had a stretch on the offensive end where he recorded nine straight points for the Wildcats, including two dunks and a made 3-pointer. He was also solid on defense, recording two blocks while Kentucky had arguably its best defensive performance of the season.

Mark Pope was asked about Garrison’s play during postgame interviews and gushed over what the big man is capable of doing and becoming in the future.

“We are seeing moments from him, but his foundation right now is growing so solid and so wide,” said Pope. “He’s preparing himself for major, major jumps. And he’s got a really terrific future. He’s got a future that’s going to be so stunning that he won’t be out of his mind excited when he bangs a three because that will become really, really normal.”

Because he was playing so well, Garrison also saw the floor at the same time as Amari Williams this afternoon, something that’s been a rarity this season.

“Bringing different looks for different teams. Teams don’t expect it, so we throw it out there,” said Garrison, who later added, “We showed that we (himself and Garrison) can play together and help the team win.”

Garrison also noted during postgame interviews that getting Lamont Butler back brings this team more “confidence” on the defensive end of the floor.

Garrison, who wants to be known as a hard worker for this Kentucky team, said this of his improved play:

“Keep putting in the work, and you get good results out of it.”

Garrison has a great opportunity to build off this big game on Tuesday night in Rupp Arena against Tennessee.