Kentucky fans finally got the update they’ve been waiting for — and it’s a big one. Just days before the Wildcats’ season opener against Nicholls, Mark Pope revealed encouraging news about injured guards Jaland Lowe and Denzel Aberdeen, who were both seen back on the practice floor. Could they suit up for the opener? Let’s break it down and see.
The wait for Kentucky basketball’s season opener is nearly over. On Tuesday night, the Wildcats will officially tip off their 2025–26 campaign at Rupp Arena against Nicholls State. But heading into the game, one big question looms: will starting guards Jaland Lowe and Denzel Aberdeen be ready to play?
Both guards missed Kentucky’s exhibition loss to Georgetown — and their absence was painfully obvious. Without their two floor generals, the Wildcats struggled to create rhythm on offense, leaning too heavily on isolation plays instead of their usual ball movement and transition flow.
Lowe and Aberdeen are expected to be major pieces in Mark Pope’s debut season in Lexington. Their ability to handle the ball, set tempo, and control the half-court offense makes them essential to Kentucky’s attack. So when both sat out against Georgetown, the Wildcats looked disjointed.
College basketball insider Jon Rothstein reported that he spoke with Pope, who said he’s still “unsure” whether either guard will be available for the opener. That word — unsure — carries some weight. It suggests Pope isn’t optimistic enough to call them “probable,” but not pessimistic enough to rule them out entirely.
Still, seeing both Lowe and Aberdeen back on the practice court is a promising sign. Kentucky fans know how much this duo impacts the team’s pace and ball movement — and if they’re cleared for game action, the Wildcats could look like a completely different squad against Nicholls.
If either can’t go, Kentucky will once again rely on Jasper Johnson and Collin Chandler to carry more of the load in the backcourt. Both guards struggled against Georgetown, but the team is hoping a week of practice and film study will lead to improvement.
Kentucky should have enough talent to handle Nicholls, but fans saw what can happen when things get sloppy. The Wildcats can’t afford another slow, stagnant start — especially with tougher games on the horizon.
The real focus for Pope’s staff is getting Lowe and Aberdeen back healthy before the Wildcats’ rivalry clash against Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center. The Cardinals are desperate for a statement win, and Kentucky will need to be close to full strength for that matchup.
For now, all eyes will be on the pregame updates from Pope. If Lowe and Aberdeen are cleared, it could be a major boost to start the season strong. If not, Kentucky’s depth will be tested once again — and the team’s young guards will have another chance to prove they’re ready for the moment.
