Kam Williams, left, with Jaland Lowe, center, and Jayden Quaintance before UK's game against Georgia. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Sophomore Kam Williams broke his foot during Kentucky’s 85-80 win over Texas on Jan. 21. Most assumed that would be a season-ending injury for Williams, just as he was starting to be a consistent contributor.
His father, Greg Williams, immediately held out hope that his son might return for postseason play. He said weekly rehab updates have been positive for his son, and he has been ahead of schedule with his recovery. He has gone from being seen on a scooter to crutches to a walking boot to tennis shoes. He looked much more comfortable walking during UK’s game against Georgia Tuesday, confirming his father’s analysis of his recovery.
Kentucky coach Mark Pope seemed to agree with that assessment Thursday during his weekly press conference
“We’re optimistic, because we’re always optimistic,” Pope said. “The timeline is tight. I don’t know how much publicly he’s been talked about with the specifics of his injury — I’ve been really vague, right?
“But there’s a real chance that, at some point, if we extend the season out long enough, that he can come back and help us. We’re excited for that to happen.”
Williams was averaging 6.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 20 minutes per game in the 19 games he played. He was shooting 44.9 percent overall and 34.8 percent from 3.
The outlook is not as positive on sophomore center Jayden Quaintance. Pope definitely made it sound like the 6-foot-11, 255-pound Arizona State transfer would not play.
“He continues to make progress. He is not ready right now,” Pope said. “We’re not going to roll him out there till he’s 100 percent, and he’s a ways from that. We haven’t incorporated him back into practice, so that’s complicated.
“I don’t know how optimistic I am about that. He’s making great progress, but with a guy as explosive as he is, we have to be … he’s got to be 100 percent ready. We’re working slowly but positively.”
Quaintance has played in only 66 minutes total in four games, averaging 5.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest.
4 Responses
For JQ to see his team struggling and being much further along than when he played and not want to jump in and help. He should be much better now then he was in January is the ultimate slap in the face to someone who hasn't produced as a head coach. Im sorry but if I'm Pope I'm kicking JQ off the team to set a example. The example is Kentucky isn't here to rehabilitate you and get you ready for the draft if you can't scratch our back too. I would kick him and his father out of Lexington and make his draft stock fall because he will look even more like a trouble maker. No way I'm letting him smile in my face after finessing me for over 3 million dollars.
That is Pope's problem. He counts on people who aren't available. JQ should have taught him better than that.
And they are making progress!!…..when he knows there is no chance.
“And they are making progress” I got some Beach Front property down here in the Ky Holler to sale y’all! Where is Billy Clyde when we need Him?
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