Adou Thiero is OUT at Texas A&M, remains day-to-day

Make that four straight games without Adou Thiero in the lineup for the Cats. Officially out due to “general soreness,” the sophomore forward is dealing with a minor back issue, which will keep him out in Kentucky’s matchup at Texas A&M.

The Wildcats announced his absence ahead of the 2 p.m. ET tip-off in College Station.

Adou Thiero remains out today.

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 13, 2024

The 6-8, 220-pound forward was averaging 7.6 points and 5.6 rebounds through 10 games prior to injury.

“The back was bothering him and this was the best course of action. So hopefully he’s back soon,” Calipari said following Kentucky’s win over Missouri.

What does Thiero’s absence mean for the rest of the team?

“The thing that’s happened is it’s giving Ugo (Onyenso) a chance, it’s giving Jordan (Burks) a chance,” he said. “Probably playing Tre (Mitchell) more than he needs to, but all of a sudden, you guys are asking me about his double-doubles, because he is playing more minutes. But what he brings to the table: eight rebounds and a toughness, rebounding in traffic.”

And what is missing?

“Another guy that can pass, dribble and shoot,” Calipari added. “But he’s more of a perimeter guy who’s eventually going to be about 6-9 and 240-250 and a player like inside-outside, shoot, drive, dunk, make a pass. … He’s got to get healthy.”

That just won’t be today in College Station.