Kentucky freshman Jayden Quaintance has appeared in only four games this season as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL, and his introduction to SEC play has been anything but smooth. In two conference games, he’s averaged just 3 points and 5 rebounds in about 20 minutes per contest.
That number won’t increase.
Quaintance has officially been ruled out for Kentucky’s matchup against Mississippi State.
The Wildcats enter the game reeling after back-to-back losses following a four-game winning streak, with the most recent defeat being particularly painful. Kentucky held an eight-point lead with four minutes remaining, only to completely unravel late, allowing Missouri to finish the game on a 15–2 run fueled by turnovers and poor shot selection.
As Mark Pope and his players left the floor, boos rained down from Big Blue Nation — the second time this season the team has been booed, the first coming during the ugly loss to Gonzaga. This one stung more, though, because it happened at home in Rupp Arena. At least the Gonzaga game was on a neutral floor in Nashville.
Simply put, Kentucky basketball desperately needs a win.
Quaintance, widely viewed as the most gifted player on the roster, will once again be stuck cheering from the bench, just as he did early in the season. The SEC’s official injury report lists him as out, with no further explanation provided.
Mississippi State comes to Rupp with a 10–5 overall record and a perfect 2–0 mark in SEC play. The Bulldogs are red-hot, riding a six-game winning streak after opening the season 4–5. Leading the way is Josh Hubbard, who is averaging 23 points per game and will look to put on a show in Rupp Arena. Volume shooters have had success there recently. Hubbard scored 15 points on 5-of-16 shooting in Rupp last season, but it’s hard to imagine a repeat of that inefficiency. In his first visit, he poured in 34 points. This is also a Mississippi State team that just allowed Alabama to get wide-open looks from three.
Quaintance’s absence will be most noticeable on the glass, especially with the task of battling Quincy Ballard. For Kentucky, a difficult situation just got even tougher.