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What began as a homecoming turned into a coming-out party for Jayden Quaintance on Saturday.
Quaintance made his long-awaited debut and helped lead Kentucky to a 78-66 triumph over No. 22 St. John’s in the CBS Sports Classic.
The Arizona State transfer scored 10 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and added two blocked shots in 17 minutes in his Wildcat debut. Quaintance spent most of the year recovering from an ACL injury and made his return to the court at the right time for Kentucky.
Sitting out, Quaintance said, wasn’t easy, but he trusted the trainers and committed to a “We Workin’ theme throughout the rehabilitation process. He did just that against the Red Storm.
The return, Quaintance said, has been a “long time in the making” and credited the team’s training staff, led by Brandon Wells, for his ability to overcome the injury in a timely manner. Kentucky coach Mark Pope could not agree more.
“I’ve been in this game for a long time, and I’ve worked with a lot of guys, and I’ve never worked with a performance team that’s this dedicated and has worked this much magic from an incredibly serious, serious injury to what these guys did to get him back healthy is pretty incredible,” Pope said.
Kentucky’s second straight comeback and third consecutive victory gave Mark Pope his first win against Rick Pitino and a win the Wildcats (8-4) desperately needed after dropping a 35-point loss to Gonzaga two weeks ago in Nashville. While beating his former coach was a first, Pope was more focused on the outcome.
“The only thing I care about is our team growing. I love Coach (Rick Pitino), but I’m just happy for our guys,” Pope said. “I’m happy for being (ahead at) the end, and that’s more than enough.”
Pitino credited his former player for shifting the team’s identity from a three-point-shooting team to a “smashmouth” unit built on defense, physicality, and toughness.
“They totally changed their personality of who they are, and I think that’s a brilliant move by Mark,” he said. “That’s all he talked about, was physicality and toughness. I think he made a great change.”
12 Responses
If JQ had played against North Carolina, even limited minutes, we would have won. Pope has been way too cautious in making that call.
Barry, its my understanding it wasn't all on Pope when he could play. Family was in the say so as well.
No game is worth a players future.
Very, very impressed with how J Lo and JQ played and interview in post game. You can tell they have infectious personalities and would be great team mates and ambassadors for UK. Wish we could have them for couple more yrs.
JQ just showed he is the Alpha that's been missing from this team. He is a defensive disruptor and the Dude to clean up sloppy shots. Can he pull the rest of the team with him in the right direction? We shall see.
The body language on st John's big guy clearly changed when quaitance came in . He didn't appear to want any part of that.
If these two can stay healthy and productive, and we get a little more buy-in from JJ., Noah, and Chandler we could do some damage. These 3 seem to take 1 step forward and then 2 back.
That was his first game back. He's considered rusty. Wow. I love watching that kid play. Maximum effort. That's what I applaud. In 17 minutes he had most centers stat lines in 30 mins. Can you imagine how great he will be when we get to conference play? Wow. What a upgrade on the unit. I'm never this impressed by a 18 year old. He plays so intelligent when he gets the ball around the rim, there isn't no stutter step. Or thinking. It's go straight up fast with a hard dunk. If other centers took notes off his game they would improve as well. It's probably why Garrison and Moreno seem like they are improving because they are going up against best center in college basketball. I would take him over anyone. He sets real picks. Not just a motion. He runs the floor. He isn't selfish. He cheers on the bench he's the ultimate team player. I knew he would be good, but I had no idea he was going to be this good against quality bigs he dominated in 17 mins. Garrison needs to improve very fast and Jelavic is not getting any playing time with JQ in the fold. Honestly I would give Garrisons minutes to Jelavic. I will tell you why. Jelavic is considered a freshman and if he gets time to improve he will be a good player next year. He just came from overseas basketball. You have to have a year to learn American basketball. It's a much faster pace. They play 1960s ball overseas. No pun intended. I think Garrison transfers for his senior year. Probably a down grade in competition. Well it's what I would do at least. If you can't make it at this level as a junior, play for a Western Kentucky and have a great season. I can see Perry leaving Ole Miss after this season and going somewhere like eastern Kentucky or western Kentucky. If you can't compete and get minutes at this level play to your competition. The game is more fun to play then to cheer on the bench for teammates. I do know this JQ will make all of our post players better by practicing against him. In conference play he is going to have a game where he goes off for like 26 points 18 rebounds and 7-8 blocks I guarantee it. He will only get better and better the better shape he is in.
Agree with your assessment of JQ. He looked like he never lost a stroke on anything and looked as polished as any of the bigs I have seen this year. I did not see Jelavic on the bench so still don't know if he on the team. If he was there then, again, shame on Pope not giving him some PT in first half.
JQ makes everybody better.
You could see relief and happiness on our players faces. Otega looked like the weight of the world was taken off his shoulders. JQ's play allowed him to be who he was last year.
If Kentucky can stay healthy and continue to work hard in practice then I believe Kentucky can win the SEC regular season Title and do well in the NCAA Tourney.
Alabama is undersized and don't play a lot of defense. I think it's time to kick the Tide a"".
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