When will Kentucky’s starting backcourt finally return?
Just one week after Kentucky basketball looked unstoppable in a dominant exhibition win over No. 1 Purdue, the Wildcats came crashing back to earth. Friday night’s 84–70 loss to Georgetown wasn’t just a stumble — it was a loud wake-up call about this roster’s most fragile spot.
The reason? Kentucky’s backcourt was in survival mode.
A Backcourt in Crisis
The Wildcats were missing both of their primary ball-handlers: freshman point guard Jaland Lowe (shoulder) and veteran combo guard Denzel Aberdeen, who sat out with what Mark Pope described as a precautionary “sore leg.”
“DA (Denzel Aberdeen) has just got a sore leg. He’s trying to get 100% healthy, and so we’re taking a precaution with him,” Pope said after the game. “I’d like to have, you know, I don’t know where J. Lowe is going to be, but I’d like to have those guys back in action within the next week or two, I’m hoping.”
Without them, Kentucky’s offense unraveled. Sophomore Collin Chandler was forced to start at point guard — a role that didn’t fit his natural game. The result was rough: Chandler shot 2-for-9 from the field, committed five turnovers, and struggled to organize the offense.
The entire team looked out of sync. After looking fluid and connected against Purdue, the Wildcats suddenly reverted to isolation-heavy possessions and poor shot selection. They finished with just 20 made field goals and 15 turnovers, a clear sign of a team missing its engines.
Is Kentucky’s Depth Just an Illusion?
The contrasting performances raise an uncomfortable question: How deep is this team, really?
Against Purdue, Kentucky looked like it could send “waves” of players without missing a beat. Against Georgetown, two absences — one of them minor — completely derailed everything.
Without Lowe or Aberdeen, the Wildcats lacked anyone who could consistently penetrate, create shots, or keep the offense moving. Georgetown’s defense swarmed, capitalizing on Kentucky’s lack of direction. The frontcourt talent was there, but without floor generals, it didn’t matter.
This kind of drop-off is exactly what Mark Pope’s staff hoped to avoid — but it shows just how delicate the balance is.
Mark Pope’s Update and What’s Next
After the game, Pope told radio host Tom Leach that both guards are “close” to returning, but emphasized the team would move carefully.
> “We’ll see. I think they’re both close. We will proceed with caution on both of them… day by day,” Pope said.
Kentucky needs at least one of them back — fast. With the regular season tipping off soon, the Wildcats can’t afford another showing like Friday’s. Lowe’s playmaking and Aberdeen’s steadiness are crucial for this offense to function.
The good news? Pope’s comments suggest both could return within a week or two. The bad news? Until then, the Wildcats’ margin for error remains paper thin.
Kentucky fans have seen this movie before — flashes of dominance followed by frustrating inconsistency. But if Lowe and Aberdeen return soon, this could just be a temporary setback. The backcourt is the heartbeat of Mark Pope’s system — and Kentucky’s pulse depends on getting it healthy again.
