Vicky Graff Photo
Even when Kentucky coach Mark Pope was finishing his UK Radio Network pregame interview with Tom Leach, he still was not sure if forward Andrew Carr would play against Mississippi State Saturday night or not.
Carr had been listed as questionable with what eventually was revealed to be a back injury but not only did he play in the 95-90 win, but he played well.
Carr had 13 points on 5-for-8 shooting from the field along with six rebounds and one assist in 21 minutes of play and several times when UK needed a field goal the most, he got it with his inside play.
Pope admitted after the game that Carr had not done a lot after UK’s loss at Georgia on Tuesday before the Cats played at Mississippi State. Pope credited Brandon Wells and Randy Towner, UK’s performance team, “for even making it possible” for Carr to play.
“We sat down and had a long talk yesterday,” Pope said after the game. “He’s feeling so much stress because he’s like, ‘I don’t want to be out there if I’m not helping the team, but I want to help the team so bad.’
“Then, you look at him. It’s the second straight game where he can’t sit down during timeouts. He made it through his shootaround today. So, we came and said, ‘Let’s go through warmups before the game and just see.’”
Carr made it through the pregame warmups and told Pope he wanted to try and play.
“Every rotation, I’m making eye contact with Brandon Wells. I’m like, ‘What are you thinking? Can we do more? Do we need to shut it down? Where are we?’” Pope said. “And Andrew ended up making huge plays. Huge plays, not just because he got a couple of and-1s, but because he got some guys in foul trouble that really helped us.
“He’s a tough kid. He’s a warrior. He’s a really tough kid, he loves our team.”
4 Responses
I know this is easier said than done. But if UK starts stringing wins together they could be very dangerous. Right now after a big win in Starkville , UK is set to have a set back. It’s what they’ve done.. I hope they can get on a roll.. Again easier said than done.
You’re right Grant, but luckily these next 2 games are in Rupp. A&M is better than Miss State and cannot be overlooked. They are a very physical team that is well coached. They are the ultimate bully ball team in the SEC. Carr was amazing, but I don’t know how much longer Carr can play with a bad back, especially in the SEC. Almonor stepped up and will need to step up again and again. Perry needs to do likewise. Butler played hero ball in the first half and hurt the team, but played Pope ball in the second half and helped the team get the win. Williams had an awesome game, but Garrison seems to step back when that happens. Getting both of them to have good games in the same game would be huge. Oweh seems to be geared to play hero ball without being disruptive to the rest of the team. Brea is not. He needs to continue screening and cutting to get open shots. Yes, that tires him out quicker, but it makes him more productive. These next 2 games will be statement games…hopefully for us.
Yes sir..agree on that ..
Carr is the ultimate TEAM 1st player who absorbs every technique and method whcih Coach Pope & his staff teach. The proof is in his superior PROF.ANE with an efficiency in the stratosphere, even compared to top players on any team.
If EVERY player EVERY game was 100% committed to TEAM 1st as is Carr, then UK would be undefeated and unstoppable.
Here’s hoping those with extremely low ANE values will follow Carr’s lead in putting the TEAM FIRST.so UK can have a serious chance of getting #9.