Calipari uncertain of Adou Thiero's playing status moving forward

DrewFranklinKSR

adou-thiero-status-kentucky — (Photo by Jordan Prather/USA TODAY)

Adou Thiero was a non-participant in Kentucky‘s Tuesday night win in Rupp Arena, the third straight game the sophomore missed with a lingering back issue. The program explained Thiero’s recent absences as “general soreness.” He last played in a game on December 13 at Louisville.

Adou Thiero (general soreness) is out tonight vs. Illinois State. He is considered day to day.
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) December 29, 2023

Adou Thiero (general soreness) is out today. He is considered day to day.
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 6, 2024

John Calipari couldn’t offer much more of an explanation after Thiero was sidelined in the SEC home opener versus Mizzou. When asked the latest on Thiero and if he is expected to return soon, Calipari didn’t have much more to add to the conversation about Thiero’s status.

“He didn’t practice or play shoot-around today. I’ll get an update and they’ll tell me,” Calipari replied.

“But, he’s more of a perimeter guy who is eventually going to be about 6-9 and 240-250, and a player, like, inside-outside, shoot, drive, drunk, make a pass. But he’s got to get healthy. The back was bothering him and this was the best course of action, so, hopefully, he is back soon.”

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New Opportunities

Kentucky misses Thiero, but his absence opened the door for others to step up. Calipari noted the opportunities it created for Ugonna Onyenso and Jordan Burks, but also Tre Mitchell, who played all but 22 seconds of the 40-minute game against Mizzou while Thiero was unavailable.

“The thing that’s happened is it’s given Ugo a chance, it’s given Jordan a chance, Calipari said. “Probably playing Tre 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.”

Aaron Bradshaw also earned a mention in Calipari’s postgame comments for his rebounding improvements. Kentucky outrebounded Mizzou in the game, 43-27.