Kentucky basketball is finally back under the bright lights of Rupp Arena on Friday night, but the Wildcats aren't exactly easing into things. Mark Pope's squad hosts the No. 1 ranked Purdue Boilermakers in the first of two preseason exhibitions. This will be a massive early test for a team still finding its footing.
Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. ET and, thankfully for fans weary of streaming hoops, the game will air nationally on the SEC Network.
How to watch
- TV: SEC Network
- Streaming: Available via the ESPN app (with authenticated cable/satellite login) or you can stream the game on services that carry SEC Network, including: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV,FuboTV, Sling TV (Orange Plan)
Shorthanded Cats face ultimate test
Kentucky enters the matchup missing two crucial pieces. Point guard Jaland Lowe is sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained during last week's Blue-White Scrimmage, and center Jayden Quaintance is also out as he recovers from last season's ACL injury.
Their absence forces immediate adjustments. Brandon Garrison, one of the returning players, likely draws the start at center, giving him first chance to impress. At point guard, sophomore Collin Chandler seems poised to handle primary ball-handling duties, though expect Pope to initiate offense through various players.
What to watch for (beyond the score)
Let's be blunt: Kentucky probably won't win this game. Purdue returns arguably the best point guard-center duo in the nation with Braden Smith orchestrating and Trey Kaufman-Renn down low. They are experienced, deep, and polished. Kentucky, conversely, is still integrating new pieces and learning Pope’s intricate system after a roster turnover from year 1. The returning players help, but it may not be enough.
The focus for Big Blue Nation shouldn't be the final score though, but the process. Did the offense show better flow and spacing than in the Blue-White game? Did the defense compete physically against an elite opponent? Did players understand their roles and rotations? Seeing progress in those areas constitutes a win, regardless of the scoreboard. That is the main reason for this game.
Final score prediction
This feels like a game where Purdue's experience and physicality control the tempo, but Kentucky's athleticism keeps them competitive. The Cats need to find their offense to win this one, it may just be a little too early.
Purdue 82, Kentucky 74.
A loss here is meaningless in the grand scheme. These exhibitions are about gathering data and fostering growth. If Kentucky shows improved offensive identity and defensive fight, they'll be right on track for November.
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