The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team is gearing up for its Saturday matchup against Vanderbilt, and the timing couldn’t be better for a week-long break between games. Head coach Mark Pope provided a promising update on the team’s health following a physical start to the SEC schedule.
Key starters Lamont Butler and Andrew Carr, who have both been battling injuries, appear to have made progress in their recovery. Butler has been nursing a sore non-shooting shoulder after taking hits in Kentucky’s victory over Texas A&M on January 14, while Carr has been playing through a nagging back issue for several games. Despite these setbacks, both players have remained active in SEC play.
“It’s better than it was a few days ago, that’s for sure,” Pope said on Thursday regarding the team’s overall health. “Everybody in the league is dealing with injuries, and we’re no exception. This week has been invaluable for helping us make progress.”
Butler, who averages 13.6 points per game, and Carr, contributing 10.9 points per game, have shown resilience by continuing to play through their respective injuries. However, Pope did not confirm if either would be fully available for Saturday’s game. The first Availability Report for the matchup will be released Friday night, but given their recent history, both players could suit up despite not being at 100 percent.
In addition to Butler and Carr, Brandon Garrison has dealt with minor injuries throughout the season, adding to Kentucky’s challenges. Meanwhile, backup point guard Kerr Kriisa remains sidelined after fracturing his foot against Gonzaga on December 7. Although an initial recovery timeline of 3-6 weeks was suggested, it has now been seven weeks since Kriisa underwent surgery. Pope indicated earlier this week that Kriisa is still “a few weeks” away from a potential return.
With critical players on the mend, the Wildcats are hoping to capitalize on this brief break to regain momentum and health. As the SEC season heats up, staying healthy will be pivotal for Kentucky’s championship aspirations. The Wildcats will look to prove their resilience on Saturday in Nashville.