Kentucky Wraps Non-Conference Slate with Win Over Bellarmine, Monitors Brandon Garrison's Knee
The Kentucky Wildcats took care of business Tuesday afternoon against Bellarmine, closing out their non-conference schedule on a high note before heading into the holiday break. But while the scoreboard favored the Wildcats, the biggest storyline coming out of the game was the status of junior big man Brandon Garrison.
Garrison exited the game at halftime and didn’t return, sparking some concern among fans and staff alike. He walked off the court with his teammates and didn’t appear to be in visible discomfort, but when the second half tipped off, he was nowhere to be seen. A few minutes later, he reappeared on the bench with his knee heavily wrapped in ice-never a welcome sight, especially this close to SEC play.
Kentucky later announced that Garrison was questionable to return due to a knee injury. He ultimately stayed on the bench for the remainder of the game, logging just eight minutes before his early exit.
Postgame, head coach Mark Pope provided some clarity, saying the team was being cautious and that Garrison was dealing with some pre-existing knee soreness-not a new injury. That’s encouraging news for a Kentucky team that’s finally approaching full strength as the calendar flips to January.
Garrison’s role this season has been a steady one off the bench, giving Kentucky valuable minutes in the frontcourt as the rotation continues to take shape. His presence becomes even more important with the recent return of Jayden Quaintance, who’s expected to be a major contributor down the stretch. The two could form a versatile tandem in the paint, giving Pope options in how he wants to match up with SEC opponents.
With a 9-4 record heading into the new year, the Wildcats now get a 10-day break before opening conference play on the road against Alabama in Tuscaloosa. That window gives Garrison some much-needed time to rest and recover, and assuming the knee soreness doesn’t linger, he should be ready to go when the Wildcats begin the SEC grind.
The pieces are starting to come together for Kentucky. If Garrison can stay healthy and continue to provide solid minutes off the bench, this team’s frontcourt depth could quietly become one of its strengths as the season unfolds.