Kentucky’s Brandon Garrison Expanding His Game with 3-Point Shooting
The evolution of modern basketball has made it clear that big men need to expand their skill sets beyond the paint, and Kentucky freshman Brandon Garrison is embracing that challenge. Known primarily for his interior presence, rebounding, and defensive prowess, Garrison is now working to add 3-point shooting to his game—a development that could make him a much more versatile and dangerous weapon for the Wildcats.
A New Dimension to His Game
At 6-foot-9, Garrison has been a force in the paint for Kentucky, using his size and physicality to protect the rim and finish around the basket. However, in today’s game, even centers and power forwards are expected to stretch the floor and knock down shots from deep. Recognizing this, Garrison has been putting in extra work to extend his range beyond the arc.
Reports from practice and pre-game warmups indicate that Garrison has been steadily improving his shooting stroke, and Kentucky’s coaching staff is encouraging him to take more perimeter shots when the opportunity arises. While he may not yet be a high-volume shooter, the fact that he is developing confidence in his outside shot is a promising sign for both his college career and potential future in the NBA.
Why Adding a 3-Point Shot Matters
Expanding his offensive skill set will make Garrison a more valuable asset for Kentucky in multiple ways:
1. Creating Floor Spacing – If Garrison can knock down threes consistently, it will force opposing bigs to defend him on the perimeter, opening up the lane for Kentucky’s guards to attack the basket. This could be crucial for a team that relies on driving and cutting to create offensive opportunities.
2. Improved Pick-and-Pop Potential – The pick-and-roll has been a staple of Kentucky’s offense, but adding a pick-and-pop element with Garrison stepping out for three-pointers could give the Wildcats another dangerous option. Defenses that collapse on the ball handler could be punished by Garrison’s outside shooting.
3. NBA Readiness – The modern NBA values big men who can stretch the floor, and developing a consistent 3-point shot would significantly boost Garrison’s draft stock. Players like Brook Lopez and Al Horford have extended their careers by becoming reliable shooters, and Garrison could follow a similar trajectory.
Early Results Show Promise
While Garrison is still in the early stages of incorporating long-range shooting into his game, early signs suggest he is making progress. In recent games and scrimmages, he has shown a willingness to take open threes, and his mechanics appear smooth and natural. Coaches and teammates have taken notice, praising his work ethic and commitment to improving his game.
Head coach John Calipari has always been open to letting big men expand their skill sets, and Garrison’s development could be a significant storyline as the season progresses. If he can consistently knock down outside shots, he could become one of Kentucky’s most versatile frontcourt players.
What’s Next for Garrison?
The next step for Garrison is to continue working on his shooting consistency in practice while also gaining in-game confidence. Kentucky fans should keep an eye on how many three-point attempts he takes over the next few weeks and whether his shooting efficiency improves.
If he continues on this trajectory, Brandon Garrison could become a true stretch big, adding another dynamic element to an already talented Kentucky roster. His willingness to evolve his game demonstrates maturity and ambition—traits that could make him a standout player in college basketball and beyond.
