Keion Brooks, right, says he is taking it day to day waiting to get clearance so he can play. (Jeff Houchin Photo)
Kentucky is off to its worst start since 1926, had John Calipari ask a player to “step away” from the program for an attitude adjustment, cannot consistently make a 3-point shot and continues to turn the ball over way too many times. Now the Cats have to play at Louisville Saturday and apparently sophomore Keion Brooks Jr. will not make his 2020-21 debut in this game. He’s missed UK’s six games, including the five losses in a row, because of a calf injury that was originally thought in October to be no more than a two-week setback.
Brooks was Kentucky’s only player who had scored or got a rebound at Kentucky coming into this season. Calipari was counting on him for experience and on-court leadership.
“I’m still taking it day-by-day. I’m feeling good. Getting closer and closer back to being 100 percent,” Brooks said Saturday after UK’s loss to North Carolina when he was the only player willing to answer questions. “Just trusting in our medical staff and doctors.
“I’d like to go out there and contribute. It’s killing me that I can’t go out there and help the team, be on the floor, be a part of what they’re going through as far as playing. But I’m still with them each and every way I can right now. If I can help from the sideline, I will in each area.”
That’s great he can do that but this team needs help on the court in the worst way. The season is slipping away rapidly and Calipari sending freshman Cam’Ron Fletcher hope after he emotional outburst at the end of Saturday’s game is not a great sign for this team.
Brooks admits it’s frustrating for him to watch and not be able to help.
“It’s extremely frustrating because I know what they’re going through and it’s tough for them and I can’t go out there and just be out there with them,” Brooks said. “I wish I could go down there and get a couple of rebounds for us. Do the simple stuff, do stuff that brings the team morale up.
“Also, being the only one playing for Coach, I’m out there on the floor to calm us down and let us know that we’re going to be fine. It’s tough to do from the sideline but I’m doing everything I can. We just gotta keep believing in each other and we’ll get it all figured out.”
