Report: Alex Poythress facing serious illness in Europe

Former Kentucky basketball player Alex Poythress is reportedly suffering from hemiparesis, which weakens the entire side of one’s body, in his face. The illness can make it difficult to perform everyday activities such as eating or dressing.

Poythress played under head coach John Calipari at Kentucky from 2012-16. He currently plays for Olimpia Milano of the Italian League. He played six minutes in the team’s game on Friday and did not appear during Olimpia Milano’s contest on Sunday.

Poythress’ head coach, Etorre Messina, addressed Poythress’ absence.

“He’s sick too. He returned from the games in Africa, and he has a sort of hemiparesis on his face,” Messina said of Poythress, per Basket News. “It’s not known whether it’s of a nervous origin or a virus. He made the effort the other night, but it bothers him.”

Poythress’ unavailability is a massive loss for Olimpia Milano. Poythress played for the Cote d’Ivoire national team during the FIBA international break in February. In three games with the squad, he averaged 21 points and 7.3 rebounds for 21.3 PIR en route to three victories in the AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers.

John Calipari asks for prayers for Alex Poythress

Messina isn’t the only coach hoping for Poythress’ condition to improve. On Monday, Calipari posted about Poythress’ ailment on social media, asking Big Blue Nation for help.

“I got word last night that @AlexTheGreat22 has developed an illness while playing basketball over in Europe,” Calipari wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “One of the best athletes and kindest people I’ve ever coached…a good man! #BBN, let’s pool some prayers and send them his way!!”

Poythress appeared in 112 games over his four-year career at Kentucky, making 62 starts. He averaged 8.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 55.1% from the field. In his senior campaign with the ‘Cats, Poythress averaged 10.2 points and 6.0 rebounds a night.

For his efforts, he was named to CoSIDA’s Academic All-America Second Team. Additionally, he was one of four finalists for the Arthur Ashe Jr. Player of the Year Award. Poythress went undrafted, but spent time with the Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks.

In 52 career NBA appearances, Poythress averaged 10.9 minutes, 3.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per contest while shooting 47.2% from the floor. Now 30 years old, Poythress will work toward a recovery to return to the court.