Overview
- Head coach Mark Pope said Tuesday that Jayden Quaintance will miss Wednesday’s game against Texas and added he is "super optimistic" the big man will play again this season.
- The sophomore center has been sidelined by knee swelling since starting at Missouri on Jan. 7, and Wednesday would be his fourth straight absence.
- External reporting describes his near-term outlook as uncertain, with Jeff Goodman suggesting the earliest return could be one to two weeks while cautioning there is a good chance he does not play again this year.
- Kentucky has won three straight SEC games and sits just outside the AP Top 25, continuing to adjust roles after point guard Jaland Lowe underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.
- In limited minutes since returning from last season’s ACL surgery, Quaintance has averaged about 5 points and 5 rebounds and is valued for rebounding and shot-blocking that could lift the defense if he returns.