Do Not Expect Kerr Kriisa Back Any Time Soon

Vicky Graff Photo

Before Kentucky’s game with Alabama, Kerr Kriisa was on the Rupp Arena court two hours before game time taking shots.

That might not sound significant but it was an encouraging sign considering he has not played since breaking a bone in his foot on Dec. 7 against Gonzaga. However, Kentucky coach Mark Pope said on Monday’s weekly radio show that he was not yet certain when the backup point guard would be back.

Kentucky is about eight weeks away from NCAA Tournament play and Kriisa has now been out six weeks — about the timeline some suggested when he was first injured that it would take for him to be back ready to play.

“Kerr is getting to that point where — his recovery has been completely predictable and scripted,” Pope said on the radio show. “We’re going to know more in the next few weeks about whether this is going to kind of turn the corner and be really quick on the quicker side or if this is going to be a more complicated recovery.

“We’re kind of moving into that window where we’re going to get some more information on his recovery.”

That vague comment certainly did not make it sound like Kriisa would be ready to play again any time soon and Kentucky certainly needs his veteran presence to back up Lamont Butler.

Kriisa averages  4.4 points, 3.8 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 17.3 minutes per game and brings an emotional veteran presence that Kentucky lacks currently.