Mark Pope just earned his first career March Madness win as Kentucky’s head coach, but the Wildcats’ 76-57 victory over Troy wasn’t without its hurdles. During his post-game press conference, Pope revealed something that made the game’s bizarre moments click into place.
According to Pope, Kentucky big man Amari Williams, who struggled offensively with just 2 of 8 shooting from the field, had been dealing with a back injury he suffered during practice the previous day. Despite the discomfort, Williams “gutted it out tonight,” said Pope, praising the junior forward’s toughness. Williams finished the game with 5 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and a block, but his inability to convert easy shots around the rim left fans puzzled.
During the game, commentators questioned why Williams wasn’t dunking what seemed like open layups, visibly frustrated by his frequent misses. The revelation about his back injury explains another moment as well. Williams attempted to catch a pass that sailed over his head on a fast break, resulting in him falling to the floor and staying there for a few seconds. At the time, it seemed odd since there wasn’t any hard contact. Now, it all makes sense.
For Big Blue Nation, it’s becoming exhausting. The Wildcats have already been hit hard by the injury bug this season, with Andrew Carr’s back spasms causing him to miss a game and both Kerr Kriisa and Jaxson Robinson ruled out for the season. To make matters worse, starting point guard Lamont Butler admitted post-game, “I made it through,” suggesting he’s playing through his own pain dur to the shoulder injury he suffered earlier.
Butler’s grit aside, the Wildcats cannot afford another major injury. As they prepare for their second-round matchup on Sunday, the hope is that Williams’ back will improve with treatment and rest.
Pope’s post-game comments were meant to assure everyone that Williams should be fine, but Wildcats fans everywhere will be holding their breath until tip-off Sunday and hopefully into the second weekend.