The Kentucky Wildcats are struggling to get going this season, having already lost two games, the latest being Tuesday’s beatdown to Michigan State.
A big part of Kentucky’s issues is the absence of junior
point guard Jaland Lowe, who is battling another shoulder injury.
On Thursday, Pope said the team is still consulting on what the best course of action is, but he is hopeful of Lowe getting another chance to play.
“We’re still in consultation. Still seeing how rehab goes,” Pope said. “So right now, it’s just a matter of, like, can he get to a place where he feels some stability and some strength. And so I wish I had better answers for you right now, but it really is kind of a day-to-day kind of process to see where he ends up.
“He’s got really good mobility right now, and so it’s just a matter of stability and strength and kind of see what we get and take another swing at it, if we can.”
That would at least suggest there’s a chance we see Lowe on the court again this season. When news broke of his latest injury, reports were that season-ending surgery was on the table, so it’s good to hear there’s at least some hope of seeing him in action again.
With Lowe out, Kentucky is relying on Denzel Aberdeen, Collin Chandler, and Jasper Johnson to take on the point guard minutes. Aberdeen gets the majority of them, but he can’t play all 40 minutes, so it’s imperative that Chandler and Johnson can step up and make a major impact while running the offense.
Elsewhere, junior forward Mo Dioubate may be out this Friday for Kentucky’s game vs. Loyola Maryland due to an ankle injury suffered in the Champions Classic loss to Michigan State.
Pope said Dioubate will be a game-time decision Friday, and there’s a “significant chance he won’t play.” If that happens, then Trent Noah could move into the starting lineup, while Kam Williams and Andrija Jelavic would also likely see extended minutes.
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