Alex Poythress Injury: Updates on Kentucky Forward's Knee and Return

The Kentucky Wildcats are attempting to make a run in a crowded SEC race before Selection Sunday, but that will be more difficult as senior forward Alex Poythress deals with a knee injury.

Continue for updates.

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Latest on Poythress' Playing Status

Wednesday, Feb. 17

Kyle Tucker of the Courier-Journal reported Poythress is looking better and on track to return next week.

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Calipari Comments on Poythress' Status

Tuesday, Feb. 9

After Feb. 9's game against Georgia, head coach John Calipari told reporters Poythress would be out "a few weeks." 

While Jerry Tipton of the Lexington Herald-Leader noted the school would not confirm Poythress tore his meniscus, Ryan Lemond of Kentucky Sports Radio said, “I am hearing Alex Poythress had a minor procedure on his knee and will be out for about 10-14 days.”

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Injuries Continue to Plague Poythress' Career 

This is another setback for the senior, especially since he was lost for the majority of the 2014-15 season after he tore his ACL during practice.

He has not averaged double-digit scoring totals since his freshman campaign in 2012-13 (11.2 points a night) but has bounced back this season with 10 points a game. He is also averaging 6.6 rebounds a night in the frontcourt, which is tops on the team. 

At his best, Poythress is a versatile playmaker at 6’8” with the ability to control the glass against taller opponents, get out in transition alongside guards and slash to the basket with or without the ball. He provides coach John Calipari with a veteran presence on a team that relies on a handful of freshmen, including Skal Labissiere, Isaiah Briscoe and Jamal Murray.

Even steady guard Tyler Ulis is only a sophomore.

The Wildcats will miss Poythress’ leadership and scoring prowess, but they do have some pieces in the frontcourt to fill the void until he returns.

Marcus Lee and Derek Willis are both juniors and capable rebounders on the low block, and Labissiere is loaded with potential. While the former 5-star prospect, per 247Sports’ composite rankings, has not lived up to lofty expectations yet with seven points and 2.7 boards a night, Poythress’ injury could give him an additional opportunity to finally settle into the college game.

If Labissiere does that and starts to resemble the player many envisioned as a top-five pick in the upcoming NBA draft, the Wildcats will be even stronger if and when Poythress is ready to return. That depth will prove critical come the SEC and NCAA tournaments.