Jarred Vanderbilt’s injury is bad for him and the Kentucky basketball team
By Drew Koch
Kentucky forward Jarred Vanderbilt suffered an injury during practice on Tuesday and is listed as day-to-day. Vanderbilt’s injury is bad news for the freshman and the Wildcats.
Kentucky basketball player Jarred Vanderbilt was sidelined Wednesday after suffering an injury during Tuesday’s practice. The freshman forward is listed as day-to-day. No information has been released as to the nature of the injury. However, I think it’s safe to say this is not good for Vanderbilt or the Kentucky basketball team.
Jarred Vanderbilt has only played 14 games this season, but he sure has made an impact in his limited time with the Cats. Vanderbilt debuted for Kentucky on January 16th in Columbia, South Carolina against the Gamecocks. Vanderbilt played 14 minutes, scored 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Kentucky lost that game 68-76.
Through his first 7 games with the Cats, Vanderbilt struggled to find his identity. After missing the first 2 1/2 months of the season, the highly touted freshman seemed overly eager to prove his worth to the team. Vanderbilt would force shots and make silly turnovers. He trying to do too much instead of letting the game come, a common theme among several UK players this season.
Vanderbilt hit his stride in a game against Texas A&M and hasn’t looked back since. Over the last 6 games, Vanderbilt averaged 9.6 rebounds per contest. He added 7.7 points per game as well. Vanderbilt has arguably been the most indispensable member of the Kentucky team over the past 4 weeks.
Jarred Vanderbilt’s injury, while not considered serious, could really hinder Kentucky’s play in the SEC Tournament. If Vanderbilt is unavailable for even Friday’s game, that could have a huge impact on the game. With Missouri as a potential opponent, and the possible return of Michael Porter Jr., the Cats could be in serious trouble without Vanderbilt in the lineup.
According to Jarred Vanderbilt’s father via The Lexington Herald Leader, the injury is not related to the foot injury Jarred suffered in September. “No. It’s not that,” Vanderbilt’s father said. “We’re just going day to day, and we’ll find out more information when we get there.”
While the injury could be something as simple as a sprained ankle, Vanderbilt does not want to get the label of “injury prone” place upon him by NBA scouts. Who knows is Vanderbilt is even entertaining the idea of going pro this season? However, the best ability is avail-ability. BBN is holding their collective breath and hoping Jarred Vanderbilt is available on Friday afternoon in St. Louis.