Kerr Kriisa injury update: Kentucky guard suffers fractured foot, timeline for return revealed

Kentucky guard Kerr Kriisa suffered a Jones fracture of his foot in the Wildcats’ 90-89 win over Gonzaga on Saturday, per Jeff Goodman. The injury will require surgery. Although Kentucky doesn’t believe the injury is season-ending, Kriisa will be out indefinitely.

Kriisa started against Gonzaga in place of Lamont Butler, who was out with an ankle injury. Kriisa suffered the non-contact injury in the second half and threw away the ball as he fell backward.

However, what he did next is why so many Kentucky fans adore the West Virginia transfer. Instead of giving up on the play, Kriisa hobbled back on defense, attempting to guard two Gonzaga players at once. While he was unsuccessful, the play was definitive of Kriisa’s energy on the court.

Before leaving the game on Saturday, Kriisa tallied eight points, four rebounds and three assists. He also drew two charges, jumping to his feet and celebrating with his teammates each time.

Kriisa has played in all nine of Kentucky’s games this season, averaging 4.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 17.3 minutes per game. While Kriisa’s statistics don’t necessarily jump off the page, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has been nothing but complimentary of the veteran point guard this season.

“He’s got this incredible commitment,” Pope said in November. “It was probably the first Blue and White scrimmage, we all sat down and I mentioned that Kerr promised he was going to be the best pace guy in college basketball.

“He has lived up to that every second he’s been on the floor, every single game, right? That’s an incredible consistent determination that is beautiful too. He’s got both of those vibes going on in a really special package.”

Pope isn’t the only one who’s grown to admire Kriisa’s leadership.

“It’s just his energy. It’s crazy that he didn’t score because it feels like he did,” Ansley Almonor said. “His energy when he gets on the court, you feel it. It’s a new energy, a new vibe. He brings so much pace and energy and joy. He also brings joy to the court, too, so it’s great to have him on the court.”

For now, Kentucky will have to survive without Kriisa’s endless reserves of energy. On Wednesday, Kentucky will square off against Colgate at 8 p.m. ET. Only three days later, the ‘Cats will take on in-state rival Louisville.