La Familia's roster woes may put a stopper in their winning momentum against The Ville

Kentucky's alumni team, La Familia, have struggled all summer to piece together a full roster. When The Basketball Tournament (TBT) was looming prior to this past weekend, it appeared that the blue and white would be fighting an uphill battle against Louisville's The Ville. Between injuries and unexpected roster exits both, the outlook was bleak.

That is, until the Wildcats came out victorious in an opener that they largely controlled. Andrew Harrison led the way in a 72-68 win, giving La Familia a crucial edge in the three-game competition. Although now, heading to Louisville for round two tonight, the Cats' roster woes aren't letting up.

Per KSR, while guard Archie Goodwin is set to return, Willie Cauley-Stein is listed as questionable with an ankle injury that he sustained during game one. Not our boy, anyone but our boy.

And on top of WCS in the frontcourt, Marcus Lee, who missed game one, will also be absent in the second contest. Lee was expected to join the bunch as a late addition in Louisville this week, but at this current moment, his status from here on out is unclear.

Between losing their starting center and continuing without a bit of expected help, La Familia is facing a serious threat to their momentum in tonight's battle.

Having to Play Without Willie Cauley-Stein

Being without Lee is one thing; the team already won without him down low and, even if his expected presence would be a big help, we at least know that the group is capable of beating Louisville without him on the floor.

But without WCS? That's an entirely different challenge. Returning Goodwin should go a long way regarding Kentucky's scoring effort, but a big reason that The Ville were able to fight back into the previous game was due to Cauley-Stein checking out.

When he hit the bench, The Ville's Montrezl Harrell was able to have his way in the post. What began as a far and away benefit for La Familia quickly turned into a mismatch with the departure of one player.

If Willie truly can't go tonight, it'll be small ball city for the former Wildcats.

Small Ball City for the Wildcats

Because, in the absence of Cauley-Stein and Lee, Kentucky's only remaining big is Chris Coffey. Only, Coffey is a 6-foot-8 forward who, even at the four, is arguably better off as a stretch option. La Familia may have to throw everything they have at Harrell, and that would mean opening up the perimeter.

Kentucky isn't alone in missing players; their opponents will be without Ray Spalding and Angel Nunez on the night. But it's hard not to look at this current slate and be a little disheartened if WCS ends up not taking the floor. That remains a thankful "if," for now.

Then again, things looked bleak heading into the first game, too. Have some hope if you can handle it, BBN. La Familia could still put away those old birds for good tonight.

UPDATE: While Kentucky's frontcourt issue has been mildly mended, as Willie Cauley-Stein is good to go, TBT Stats & Info has added that Goodwin will now not play tonight. La Familia's worries will shift from down low to the perimeter, as their anticipated scoring addition remains away from the team.

It's one thing after another for this group. Tonight's game, at 7:00 PM on FOX Sports, will be a wild ride on the road that our former Wildcats are hoping to simply escape alive.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow