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Kentucky Coach Mark Pope Stands by Jaland Lowe Despite Lingering Shoulder Injury

LEXINGTON, KY – Despite a lingering shoulder injury plaguing junior guard Jaland Lowe, Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope expressed confidence in his current roster, ruling out any immediate plans for mid-season additions.

Speaking on his Monday call-in show, Pope addressed Lowe’s impact on the team and the ongoing concerns about his shoulder, which has caused setbacks throughout the season. Lowe, who recently returned to play against St. John’s after an early exit, showcasing his talent with 13 points in 15 minutes, has dislocated his shoulder twice.

“I have every expectation Jaland is going to be with us the whole season, and we’re excited about it,” Pope stated.

Despite the vulnerability, Pope insists he’s not actively seeking roster reinforcements, emphasizing his belief in the existing talent, particularly Jasper Johnson and Denzel Aberdeen. He believes Johnson will evolve into a “starring role” while Aberdeen continues to develop as a point guard.

“We have a great roster. I’m not sure we’re shopping a lot right now,” Pope said.

The Wildcats will closely monitor Lowe’s condition, managing his playing time cautiously. His availability for Tuesday’s game against Bellarmine remains uncertain, with Pope describing him as “pretty sore.” The team then has a nearly two-week break before their SEC opener against Alabama on January 3rd.

“We’ll continue to proceed with caution with these guys. He’s bounced back really fast, so I know he’s got great basketball in him,” Pope added.

Kentucky fans can find solace in Pope’s unwavering faith in Lowe and the current roster’s ability to compete at a high level throughout the season.

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