When will Kentucky finally get its starting backcourt back on the floor?
Just a week after Kentucky basketball looked unstoppable in a dominant win over No. 1 Purdue, reality hit hard. The Wildcats’ 84–70 exhibition loss to Georgetown wasn’t merely a setback — it was a glaring warning sign about a roster that may be more fragile than it appears. The performance drew uncomfortable comparisons to last year’s ugly loss to Ohio State.
The silver lining? It was only an exhibition. The bad news? It exposed just how thin Kentucky’s margin for error truly is.
Backcourt in chaos
The reason behind Kentucky’s struggles was obvious — the team was missing its two primary ball-handlers. Point guard Jaland Lowe remained out with a shoulder injury, while veteran combo guard Denzel Aberdeen was a late scratch due to a sore leg.
“DA’s just got a sore leg. He’s trying to get 100% healthy, so we’re being cautious,” said head coach Mark Pope. “I’m hoping to have those guys back within the next week or two.”
Without them, Kentucky’s offense completely unraveled. Sophomore Collin Chandler was forced to start at point guard, a role outside his comfort zone, and it showed — he went 2-for-9 from the field and committed five turnovers.
The offense lost all rhythm and cohesion. After looking sharp and connected against Purdue, the Wildcats reverted to stagnant, isolation-heavy play. The final numbers told the story: 20 made shots and 15 turnovers.
Friday’s loss sparked an uncomfortable question — is Kentucky’s depth overstated? Against Purdue, the team looked like it could overwhelm opponents in waves. Against Georgetown, two absences were enough to completely throw everything off balance.
Without Lowe and Aberdeen, no one could consistently create shots, penetrate the defense, or execute the offense. The result was disorganization and a lack of leadership on the floor. While Kentucky’s frontcourt depth remains a strength, the backcourt’s lack of proven playmakers could be a major vulnerability.
Following the game, Coach Pope offered a small update on the guards during a radio appearance with Tom Leach:
“We’ll see. I think they’re both close. We’ll proceed with caution on both of them… day by day.”
Kentucky fans can only hope that “day by day” means soon — because Friday night made one thing crystal clear: the Wildcats need at least one of their starting guards back on the court, and fast.
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