Kentucky’s final exhibition game before the season opener is here — but what happened inside Rupp Arena this week stole the headlines. From Jaland Lowe’s injury update to Mark Pope’s unexpected practice twist, Big Blue Nation has plenty to buzz about before Georgetown comes to town.
The wait is almost over, Big Blue Nation — Kentucky basketball is back in Rupp Arena tonight for one final preseason test before things officially count. The No. 9 Wildcats will host the Georgetown Hoyas in their second and final exhibition game, and after how dominant they looked against No. 1 Purdue last week, the energy around Lexington couldn’t be higher.
Kentucky didn’t just beat Purdue — they ran them out of the gym. Now, the Wildcats look to build on that momentum with one more dress rehearsal before the season opener next week.
Jaland Lowe Still Limited in Practice
The biggest question heading into tonight centers around freshman point guard Jaland Lowe, who continues to nurse a right shoulder injury. Lowe participated in Wednesday’s practice as a non-contact player, wearing a brace early before removing it halfway through. He was able to go through shooting and conditioning drills without issue, but his game status remains uncertain.
Even if Lowe doesn’t play, Kentucky has plenty of backcourt firepower ready to take the floor. The Wildcats’ depth and energy on both ends have been the talk of the preseason — and Georgetown, though improved, will have its hands full inside Rupp.
Georgetown Enters Year Three Under Ed Cooley
Head coach Ed Cooley has quickly rebuilt Georgetown’s program. The Hoyas went from 9–23 in his first year to 18–16 in year two, and he’s now looking to push the program further. However, he’ll have to do it without some of last season’s key players — including Thomas Sorber, who was drafted 15th overall, and Micah Peavy, who also left for the pros.
Cooley leaned heavily on the transfer portal to restock the roster, but facing a deep and athletic Kentucky team this early in the season will be no small task.
Mark Pope’s Family Media Day
On Wednesday, Mark Pope opened practice in a way few coaches ever do — by hosting a Family Media Day. Reporters were invited to bring loved ones to his midweek press conference and even watch a full 90-minute practice afterward.
During the event, all questions came from family members, which led to some lighthearted and candid moments — including stories about Pope’s ongoing chess battles with players Collin Chandler and Jayden Quaintance (which CBS has even filmed).
When practice began, media guests got an authentic glimpse of Pope’s coaching intensity — from defensive drills to 5-on-5 scrimmages and a few moments where the coach’s competitive edge showed loud and clear. Afterward, every player personally thanked the guests, signed autographs for kids, and took photos.
Pope’s wife, Lee Anne Pope, shared that it’s a tradition they’ve continued from previous coaching stops. A thoughtful gesture that not only strengthened bonds with the media but also showed the family-oriented culture Pope is building in Lexington.
Kentucky Football in the “Hot Seat Bowl”
While excitement is sky-high for basketball, Kentucky football heads into a far more tense weekend. The Wildcats travel to Auburn for what’s being dubbed the “Hot Seat Bowl” — with both Mark Stoops and Hugh Freeze under growing pressure after disappointing seasons.
Stoops and Freeze are both coaching for momentum as their programs fight to regain footing late in the year. Auburn is a 10.5-point favorite, but both teams have plenty to prove after recent struggles.
Defensive coordinator Brad White admitted there’s “a lot of embarrassment and humility” after last week’s loss to Tennessee, where the defense allowed 49 points. With multiple starters listed as doubtful or out on the SEC’s latest availability report — including cornerbacks DJ Waller Jr. and Terhyon Nichols — Kentucky’s depth will again be tested.
