Kasean Pryor Cleared to Return for No. 6 Louisville Ahead of ACC/SEC Clash with No. 23 Arkansas
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Louisville is getting a key piece of its frontcourt back just in time for a marquee non-conference showdown.
Sixth-year forward Kasean Pryor has been cleared to play in tonight’s ACC/SEC Challenge matchup between No. 6 Louisville (7-0) and No.
23 Arkansas (5-2), according to a team spokesperson. Tipoff is set for 7:15 p.m.
ET at Bud Walton Arena, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Pryor missed the Cardinals’ last two games after entering concussion protocol following a blow to the head during Louisville’s Nov. 21 win over Cincinnati. It was an unfortunate setback for a player already working his way back from a significant injury - a torn ACL suffered last November during the Battle 4 Atlantis championship.
Prior to the concussion, Pryor had appeared in four games this season, logging 33 minutes off the bench. In that limited action, he posted nine points on 4-for-10 shooting, grabbed 10 rebounds, recorded four steals and handed out an assist. At 6-foot-10, Pryor brings length, mobility, and defensive versatility - qualities that can be especially valuable in a high-tempo game like the one expected tonight against Arkansas.
Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey had expressed optimism earlier in the week that Pryor would be ready to return. Speaking Tuesday, Kelsey praised the veteran forward’s resilience and attitude through a challenging stretch of injuries.
“We say all the time, ‘E + R = O - events plus response equals outcome,’” Kelsey said. “His response to all of this has been really good.
We tell him all the time, ‘You can’t dwell and focus on what happened; it’s the response.’ His response, both to his knee surgery and the recovery there and some of these unfortunate little speed bumps that we’ve hit along the road - he’s been awesome with his mindset and his approach.”
That mindset could pay dividends tonight. Arkansas plays fast, pressures the ball, and thrives on forcing mistakes. Having a steady, experienced presence like Pryor back in the rotation gives Louisville another tool to handle the Razorbacks’ athleticism and depth.
While Pryor’s minutes may be managed as he eases back into game action, his availability alone is a boost for a Louisville team looking to stay unbeaten and continue building momentum heading into the heart of the season.
How to Watch
Tonight’s game will air nationally on ESPN, with Karl Ravech on play-by-play and Jimmy Dykes providing analysis. Fans can also stream the game through the ESPN app or ESPN.com with a cable login. Streaming options are available via ESPN+ (subscription required) or FuboTV, which offers a free trial.
With Pryor back in uniform and Louisville off to a strong start, this ACC/SEC Challenge matchup has all the makings of a high-stakes early-season battle between two talented programs.