While there was plenty to like about Mark Pope’s Kentucky basketball team following their second and final exhibition tuneup, of Minnesota State Mankato — the reigning NCAA Division II champions — on Tuesday night. But there was an injury scare for the Wildcats early in that contest. By the time the first TV timeout occurred, one of UK’s most experienced players had hobbled off the floor and did not return to the game.
Fifth-year center Amari Williams — a this offseason from Drexel — exited after appearing to suffer a right knee injury. The 7-foot Williams, who started for the Cats, . He went straight to the UK locker room and didn’t return to the Kentucky bench during the first half.
But Williams reemerged with the rest of his teammates following the halftime break. He walked around the court during the light shooting that occurred prior to the second half but didn’t take part in any basketball activities. started for UK to begin the second half.
After the game, Pope touched on Williams’ injury, with Kentucky’s regular-season opener against Wright State now six days away. Here’s everything Pope said after the Wildcats completed exhibition play, including his update on Williams. Everything Mark Pope said after UK basketball’s final exhibition win A good night for us.
A really good night. So much of what we needed tonight. I was really happy with it.
This Minnesota State team is defending national champs. I like the way they play. I like the way they ap.
