Kentucky is using 'Gortat screens' to help create easy offense

On Kentucky’s first offensive possession of the game against Arkansas, Otega Oweh was able to glide straight to the rim for an uncontested layup that immediately put the Wildcats ahead 2-0. He can thank the Gortat screen/seal set by freshman big man Malachi Moreno for making it happen.

The Gortat screen isn’t anything complex, but it can be highly effective against the right defenses. Kentucky utilized that screen/seal several times (some successful, some not) in its 85-77 win over the Razorbacks from Saturday night in Fayetteville. Typically used in (but not limited to) pick-and-roll settings against drop coverage defense, the ball handler takes the screen from his big man, who then dives…