Mark Pope provided crucial updates on two of Kentucky's most anticipated players, point guard Jaland Lowe and freshman phenom Jayden Quaintance, during his "Family Day" media availability on Wednesday. Members of the media were able to come in to watch a practice, and bring in their family members. What a cool touch that is.
Jaland Lowe: "Being really careful"
Lowe, who injured his shoulder during the Blue-White Scrimmage, is back on the court but in a limited capacity as the staff takes a cautious approach.
“JLo is going to be in a little bit of practice today, a little bit of non-contact practice,” Pope confirmed. “We're taking him, um, we're being really careful with him so he can be fully healthy when we start the season.”
Taking the safe approach after last year, is a great idea. Lamont Butler's shoulder never quiet had enough time to heal. This being so early in the season, it is much better to allow him to get fully healthy, even if it means missing a few games early on.
Jayden Quaintance: "Still a little aways"
Jayden Quaintance, who is recovering from an ACL injury, is not yet ready for team activities but is making his presence felt with a relentless rehabilitation schedule.
“JQ is, the thing I'm excited about is every time I look out of my office window twice a day, three times a day, I see him down on the court in a full sweat,” Pope said. “He's still a little bit aways, but he's doing great.”
And much like JLo, take your time with Quaintance. Allow him to be fully healthy and ready to contribute when he comes back. If timelines hold up, you could see him near Christmas break or towards the middle of January.
Boxing on a basketball court?
Pope also shared a humorous, and slightly terrifying, story about Quaintance's new boxing workout with UK trainer Randy Towner, who holds the pads for the 6-foot-9 freshman.
“It was so incredible to watch JQ just chase him from one side of the court to the other. And Randy, sheer terror on his face, hands swollen today,” Pope laughed. “Uh, so JQ is doing really good.”
I feel you Randy, 6'10 255 coming straight at you with some boxing gloves on would have me running back too.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion