Jaland Lowe, left, is cleared to play after his shoulder injuries earlier this season. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Losing not only has frustrated Kentucky fans and players, but it obviously has frustrated the normally mild-mannered Mark Pope.
The Kentucky coach exploded in Tuesday’s win over North Carolina Central when Brandon Garrison failed to hustle back on defense after making a turnover. Pope was so upset he not only yelled at Garrison, but also broke a clipboard. He did not put Garrison back into the game as he played only eight minutes in the win. Pope said Friday he was proud of the way Garrison has responded in practice since he was benched.
However, it was less noticeable at the time that Pope had benched Jaland Lowe and Kam Williams for something that happened in practice Thursday. Williams had started four straight games but did not play in the first half before playing 13 minutes in the second half. Williams had two points, three rebounds, three assists, and one block in the second half against NC Central.
Lowe, UK’s expected starting point guard, has been cleared to return to play for about two weeks now after dislocating his shoulder for the third season since June in early November. Lowe played eight minutes against NC Central after playing 14 minutes in the previous game, the embarrassing loss to Gonzaga. It was his first game action since Nov. 11.
Pope would not discuss Friday while the two players did not get to play in the first half or what their status would be for Saturday night’s game against Indiana.
“We’re searching for sure, trying to find good answers,” Pope said Friday about his lineup decisions. “We’re trying to find a little bit of continuity and just exploring a little bit. I thought Kam was great in the second half. He had his best practice that he’s had since he’s been here.
“Yesterday, he was awesome. He was so forceful downhill. I think he’s got a huge upside for us to be great. He’s gonna have to be really good. So he’s working hard to grow.”
What about Lowe, the player UK needs on the floor because it would allow other players to play their normal position with him running the point?
“I thought Jaland was really good,” Pope said. “He is just a play-making guy, like it’s in his DNA. He’s got a point guard vibe to him that is unique on our roster. It’s really important. We’re dealing with a lot of stuff with J-Lowe. His health is always going to be a major part of this. We try to keep his minutes a little bit restricted. I thought he was terrific.”
Indiana is basically a must-win game for Kentucky after going 0-4 against Louisville, Michigan State, North Carolina and Gonzaga. Kentucky needs wins not only for its NCAA Tournament resume but also for its confidence. Pope would not commit to starting Lowe against the Hoosiers.
“I’m guessing we’re gonna have a little revolving door in who starts and who doesn’t,” Pope said. “It’s coach speak, but it’s really true. I don’t really care that much who starts. I care who plays great.”
Don’t look for Mo Dioubate to play. He’s been out since the Michigan State loss on Nov. 18 when he suffered a high ankle sprain along with a torn ligament between his tibia and fibula.
“Mo was on the court for a minute yesterday,” Pope said. “It was a miracle! It was like a Christmas miracle. I think he responded pretty well yesterday. We’ll see how it goes today. He’s crazy rusty, as you could imagine, but he’s on the road to recovery.”
Dioubate’s return to practice meant Pope had all his players practicing together for the first time since he put this roster together.
4 Responses
After last year you would think a second backup true point guard should have been picked up in the portal.
Remember Paul they had Lewis signed and then he backed out
Pope is still trying to keep everyone happy with playing time and it just won't happen without costing us games. Between Pope going stupid in his second year and Barnhart's F'ed up JMI deal, they are killing us. What is going on???
Lowe will be fine just gotta get healthy
Comments are closed.