Mark Pope has confirmed what many around Big Blue Nation were already bracing for heading into Saturday’s road test in Knoxville.
Kentucky is expected to be without Jayden Quaintance once again as the Wildcats prepare to face Tennessee, with the sophomore center still dealing with swelling in his knee. Sources cited by KSR’s Jack Pilgrim indicate Quaintance is likely to be listed as out when the SEC Availability Report is released, which would mark his third straight missed game. Jeff Gooman first reported the update earlier Friday.
Quaintance has not played since Kentucky’s 73–68 loss to Missouri last week. He started that game and logged 18 minutes, finishing with one point, four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block, while also battling foul trouble. Two games earlier at Alabama, he contributed five points, six rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 24 minutes.
After the Missouri loss, Pope made it clear that Quaintance’s situation needs to be viewed through the lens of his long recovery.
“I wouldn’t even call JQ struggling,” Pope said. “He has not played basketball in 10 months, and he’s coming back from a massive injury. The fact that he was on the floor and played with that kind of physicality is tremendous. He’s a superstar in the making.
Pope also acknowledged how difficult the process has been for the young big man, while praising his competitiveness and mindset as he works his way back.
Quaintance underwent ACL surgery last March and made his Kentucky debut at the CBS Sports Classic against St. John’s, where he posted 10 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks. Despite the current setback, his long-term outlook remains strong. He is still projected as a top-10 NBA Draft pick and is ranked No. 8 in ESPN’s latest mock draft.
Before Kentucky’s win over LSU, Pope explained that the knee swelling is part of the normal recovery process and noted that Quaintance had been making progress. Additional testing and consultations are ongoing, with more clarity expected in the coming days.
In Quaintance’s absence, Kentucky has begun to find consistency in the frontcourt with Andrija Jelavic and Malachi Moreno — a development that could prove critical against a physical Tennessee team.
The Wildcats will tip off against No. 24 Tennessee on Saturday at noon ET, with the game airing on ESPN, as Kentucky looks to build momentum despite being shorthanded in the paint.
