Adou Thiero is OUT at Florida, remains day-to-day

Kentucky will be without its second-leading board-getter against the nation’s top-ranked rebounding team. Adou Thiero, dealing with a minor back issue — officially considered “general soreness” — has been declared out for a second consecutive game.

John Calipari confirmed the sophomore forward’s status ahead of the team’s matchup at Florida, adding “It puts us at a disadvantage.”

Adou Thiero (general soreness) is out today. He is considered day to day.

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 6, 2024

Thiero is averaging 7.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 22.9 minutes per contest while shooting 52.9% from the field, 30.0% from three and 76.0% at the line.

The 6-8 forward’s absence comes at a bad time, the Cats set to take on college basketball’s No. 1 rebounding team at 45.4 boards per contest. The Gators also rank No. 4 overall in offensive rebounds (16.2) and No. 13 in rebound margin (11). They’re balanced on the glass, too, with eight players pulling down at least three boards per contest, three with at least six.

As for Kentucky, seven players are hauling in three-plus rebounds per game, but only one with at least six (Tre Mitchell, 7.1 RPG). Thiero is next up at 5.6, followed by Reed Sheppard at 4.7, Justin Edwards at 4.6, Antonio Reeves at 4.3 and Aaron Bradshaw at 4.2

Florida has only been outrebounded once this season — still a 15-point win over Pittsburgh. With four bigs standing 6-9 or taller, the Gators are a force on the inside. Thiero’s absence doesn’t help.