Pope uncertain on return timelines for Butler and Kriisa: "We have to figure this out with the guys we have."

by:Jack Pilgrim•about 9 hours

Kentucky guards Kerr Kriisa and Lamont Butler - Dr. Michael Huang, Kentucky Sports Radio

Kentucky has a point guard problem and it doesn’t appear there are any answers coming — at least not in the immediate future. Lamont Butler has been out since January 25 while Kerr Kriisa‘s absence dates back to December 7. Just how long will it take for either to return for the Wildcats, but preferably both?

Mark Pope does not know. Until that time comes, though, Kentucky has to get by with what it has, learning to adapt with guys like Jaxson Robinson, Otega Oweh, Travis Perry and even Amari Williams bringing the ball up the floor and initiating the offense.

“I don’t know. Right now, we have to figure this out with the guys we have,” Pope said following a second consecutive loss and the team’s fourth out of five. “That’s the job, we have to figure this out with the guys we have. That’s what we’re focused on. That’s the job.”

The Wildcats turned the ball over just eight times against a team that forces 15.7 per game. That’s good. They also finished with 21 assists on 29 made shots. Also strong. The issue? The Rebels turned it over just one time with 24 assists while scoring a ridiculous 98 points — essentially zero pushback from the blue and white defensively.

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Butler’s absence isn’t the only reason for Kentucky’s defensive struggles, but it certainly doesn’t help.

“Obviously, he’s one of the best point guards in the country. For him not to play, their team has to adjust,” Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard said of Butler. “… He’s one of the best point guards in college basketball, brings another dynamic to the team. There’s no denying that. We wish him the best in terms of getting back quickly. He’s one of the best players in the SEC.”

Looking for some hope in terms of a potential return? Karl Ravech said on the ESPN broadcast the staff ‘believes’ they will get Butler back this season and that the point guard was wearing a ‘big brace’ on his shoulder today. He ‘gingerly’ participated in shootaround, running up and down the floor to stay in shape while Jimmy Dykes added it’s more of a question of when he’ll return to game action, not if.

Kentucky desperately needs him.