Kentucky basketball is gearing up for a challenging NCAA Tournament opener against Santa Clara. As the 7 seed, the Wildcats are set to face the 10 seed Broncos in St. Louis, and they’re hoping to kick off their March Madness run with a full squad.
Injuries have been a storyline for Kentucky this season, but they’re aiming to be as healthy as possible. During Thursday’s media session, a few key players shared updates on their conditions.
Freshman center Malachi Moreno, who missed the final minutes of Kentucky’s SEC Tournament loss to Florida due to a leg issue, is optimistic. “I’m all good,” Moreno said, after a week of rehab and preparation for his NCAA debut. He sported a leg sleeve during practice, indicating he’s ready for action.
Sophomore wing Kam Williams, who returned from a foot injury during the SEC Tournament, is feeling better after additional recovery time. Williams, who broke his foot in January, managed to play in all three SEC Tournament games, gaining valuable experience. “I’m way better this week,” Williams noted, though he’s not at full strength yet.
Junior forward Brandon Garrison, dealing with a foot injury and a recent wrist tweak, is also set to play. Garrison praised the medical staff for their support, saying his foot feels much improved compared to the SEC Tournament.
Kentucky will have 10 healthy scholarship players available, with Reece Potter and Braydon Hawthorne maintaining their redshirt seasons. However, junior guard Jaland Lowe and sophomore forward Jayden Quaintance remain sidelined. Lowe is out for the season following shoulder surgery, while Quaintance is still recovering from an ACL tear.
Quaintance, a key transfer addition, has been out since January and is unlikely to return this weekend. Despite progress in his rehab, the swelling in his knee persists. He’s focused on a gradual return to on-court activities, with an eye on the future.
As Kentucky prepares for their matchup, both teams will provide availability reports Thursday night and Friday morning. The Wildcats and Broncos tip-off at 12:15 p.m. EDT Friday, with fans eager to see how Kentucky’s lineup will fare in the tournament’s opening round.