Amari Williams listed as "day-to-day" ahead of Kentucky's season-opener

Graduate center Amari Williams‘ status for Kentucky men’s basketball’s season-opener on Monday remains unclear, although there is good news for the big man following the knee injury he suffered in Tuesday’s exhibition.

During his pre-Wright State press conference on Thursday afternoon, head coach Mark Pope opened by saying that Williams is currently listed as “day-to-day” and that his X-rays came back positive. However, he did not say one way or the other if Williams will actually suit up and play on Monday.

“Imaging was really good, really positive,” Pope said of Williams. “He’s day-to-day right now. He won’t do anything — just free throws today and we’re hopeful he’ll be back soon. But we’ll kinda proceed with all the caution and urgency that we possibly can.”

Williams went down with an apparent knee injury during Kentucky’s 98-67 preseason win over Minnesota State earlier this week. The incident occurred a little over three minutes into the game. The 7-footer limped off the floor and went back to the locker room. He would return to the bench after halftime and was spotted riding an exercise bike, but he never reentered the game.

There’s a chance that Kentucky will be down its starting center for the season opener on Monday against Wright State. If that’s the case, expect sophomore big man Brandon Garrison to assume that starting role. Williams posted 12 points, six assists, five rebounds, and one block in 20 minutes of action during the Wildcats’ first preseason win against Kentucky Wesleyan last week.

Watch the latest Mark Pope press conference on the KSR YouTube Channel.