When Mark Pope raves about Jayden Quaintance's "ridiculous" ACL recovery metrics or Jaland Lowe being back to full-speed shooting "epically fast" after a shoulder injury, it's more than just coach speak. It's a testament to the elite medical and athletic training team working tirelessly behind the scenes at Kentucky.
These quick returns aren't luck; they are the result of world-class expertise. Meet the key figures keeping the Wildcats healthy.
The surgeon: Dr. Scott D. Mair
A cornerstone of UK Athletics for over two decades, Dr. Scott Mair serves as the orthopaedic team physician for multiple Wildcat teams, including men's and women's basketball. He specializes in arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder and knee and is nationally renowned for his expertise, having operated on numerous NBA, MLB, and PGA athletes. His precision is reflected in metrics like Quaintance's near-perfect strength symmetry (improving from 49% asymmetry down to just 3%) post-ACL surgery.
The physician: Dr. Rob Hosey
As Head Team Physician and a professor in UK's College of Medicine, Dr. Rob Hosey brings a holistic approach. With a background from Virginia Tech, SUNY Syracuse, and a fellowship at UCLA, Dr. Hosey focuses on sports medicine research, injury prevention, and athlete wellness, aligning perfectly with Pope’s emphasis on developing the whole person, not just the player.
The trainer: Brandon Wells
Appointed Head Athletic Trainer for Men’s Basketball in June 2024, Brandon Wells brings nearly 20 years of experience in collegiate athletics, including extensive work with basketball programs at Vanderbilt, Utah State, and Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Known for meticulous rehabilitation programs and building strong relationships with players, Wells has quickly become Pope’s trusted point man for day-to-day player health and recovery, overseeing treatments that get players like Lowe back on the court safely and swiftly.
An elite support system
Together, Dr. Mair, Dr. Hosey, and Brandon Wells form one of the most respected medical and training staffs in college sports. Their expertise is a crucial, often unseen, component of Kentucky basketball's success.
As Pope builds his program, having this elite team ensuring players recover quickly and effectively is an invaluable asset, allowing the Wildcats to maximize their potential on the court. Behind every great team is a great support system, and Kentucky’s is truly top-tier.
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