The injury bug has been relentless for the Kentucky Wildcats this season, testing the depth, resilience, and patience of a program already navigating a transitional year.
Just when it seemed like the Wildcats were turning a corner, more health concerns surfaced this time involving two key pieces at very different stages of their careers: senior guard Otega Oweh and freshman Braydon Hawthorne.
Kentucky’s much-needed breakthrough victory over John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks nearly came with another major setback before it even tipped off.
Head coach Mark Pope revealed during his Monday call-in show that Oweh suffered a sprained ankle in the days leading up to the showdown in Fayetteville. Given the team’s recent luck, the news immediately raised concern among fans and staff alike.
Despite the injury, Oweh delivered one of his most impressive performances of the season. The senior poured in a game-high 24 points, showing toughness, leadership, and poise while helping Kentucky knock off the 15th-ranked Razorbacks in a statement road win. It was the kind of performance that underscored just how valuable Oweh has been to this Wildcats squad.
According to Pope, Oweh’s ankle issue limited his practice availability before the Arkansas game. The coaching staff took a cautious approach, prioritizing rest and treatment rather than pushing him on the practice floor. That decision clearly paid off, as Oweh looked confident and explosive when it mattered most.
“He’s actually coming off a little bit of an ankle injury, so he didn’t practice a whole lot in the two days leading up,” Pope explained. “We were a little cautious with him today. He’ll be full go tomorrow.” Those comments suggest optimism that Oweh will be ready for Wednesday’s home matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners.
Having Oweh healthy is critical as Kentucky pushes toward the final stretch of the regular season. His ability to score at all three levels, defend multiple positions, and provide veteran leadership has been a stabilizing force for a roster that has frequently been disrupted by injuries.
While Oweh’s situation appears manageable, the news surrounding Braydon Hawthorne is far more uncertain. The highly regarded freshman has endured a frustrating first year in Lexington, largely spent on the sidelines due to lingering health issues. Just when his path seemed to be clearing, another setback emerged.
Earlier this season, Hawthorne was dealing with a calf injury, which significantly slowed his progress and effectively paused discussions about potentially burning his redshirt. That decision became even more relevant after Kam Williams went down with what could be a season-ending foot injury, leaving Kentucky thinner in the rotation.
Now, Pope has revealed that Hawthorne suffered a sprained ankle during Monday’s practice. The injury occurred after what the coach described as one of Hawthorne’s best practice sessions to date, adding to the frustration surrounding his stop-start season.
“BH was actually terrific in practice today until he sprained his ankle,” Pope said. “So we’ll see how that goes.” While the injury is not believed to be severe, it adds another variable to an already complicated roster situation.
Despite the setbacks, Pope did not fully close the door on the possibility of Hawthorne seeing game action this season. The former top-50 recruit still possesses the talent and upside that intrigued Kentucky’s staff during his recruitment, and his development remains a priority.
“It’s not off the table,” Pope said regarding pulling Hawthorne’s redshirt. “The dynamics of our roster change every single day.” That comment reflects the reality of Kentucky’s season—constant adjustments, unexpected injuries, and shifting roles.
Still, with only nine games remaining, the practical case for burning Hawthorne’s redshirt is becoming harder to justify. Throwing a freshman into meaningful minutes late in the season, especially one recovering from multiple injuries, carries risk both physically and developmentally.
Unless Kentucky suffers additional injuries—something that unfortunately hasn’t been out of the question this season—it may be in the program’s best long-term interest to preserve Hawthorne’s eligibility. Keeping his redshirt intact would give him four full years to contribute once he’s healthy and fully acclimated to the college game.
For now, Kentucky remains in survival mode, leaning heavily on veterans like Oweh while hoping the injury luck finally turns. As the Wildcats prepare for the stretch run, health—not talent—may ultimately determine just how far this team can go.
