"Things have not been that tough at all," Meeks said. "My legs have got tired a few times, but I'm used to that now.
"I've learned to use my body to lean into people and get off shots like I did on that last play. So far, everything is real good."
Jasper, a point guard, feels much the same way. Kentucky has won seven straight games since he was inserted in the starting lineup.
"I think I have stepped up my play," Jasper said. "It feels good to have earned a starting spot. I did not expect that, but I feel like I've worked hard to earn the spot. "There really has not been that much pressure on me. Coach Smith helps me a lot. It's probably been a little tougher here overall than I thought, especially adjusting to the overall quickness that everybody has.
Jasper equaled season high
Jasper equaled his season high with 12 points against Houston. He was 5-for-6 from the field and made only his second 3-point shot - he's attempted only seven - of the season. However, Jasper is 16-for-20 from the field in the last six games.
"I am feeling more comfortable every game. I am learning to read defenses and make smart plays," Jasper said. "I feel like I can make shots if needed. I don't care whether I score or pass. I've had to learn to keep my dribble lower at this level. I just try to see what we need on the court and then try to do it."
Jasper says his older teammates have had no problems with a freshman playing point guard. "They have really not said much. They have bought into what we are doing. They know I still have a lot to learn, but they all help me," Jasper said.
Jasper leads the team in assists and is second in rebounding and steals. He's averaging less than five points per game, but he knows offense doesn't need to be his priority.
"I have two great shooters (Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford) on the wings. I have Randolph Morris inside," Jasper said. "My shot will get better. I am working every day on it. But I don't feel like I have to score for us to win."
Meeks has more of a scorer's mentality. He's fourth on the team in scoring (7.2 points per game). He had 18 points at Louisville and 10 against Massachusetts.
While Jasper has worked his way into the starting lineup, Meeks has had to adjust to coming off the bench for the first time in his basketball career.
Never lacked for confidence
"I think everybody wants to play more," Meeks said. "I know I am not doing everything right. I can get a lot better. Coming off the bench hasn't been that hard. Actually, everything is real good. Everybody on the team gets along and we are winning."
Meeks, who was 3-for-8 from the field Wednesday, says he's never lacked for confidence this season even though UK played both No. 1 UCLA and No. 2 North Carolina.
"I've not really had that problem. Coach Smith yells at me, but he yells at everybody. You can't take it personally. You listen to what he says and get better," Meeks said. "My defense needs work, but it has not been that bad to learn. Coach Smith does a good job teaching the defense."
Both freshmen were surprised when they found out they would be talking to the media after the game.
"It had been kind of nice to just go relax while the older guys did all the talking," Jasper laughed and said. "Now I guess it is our turn."
