Kentucky Wildcats coach Mark Pope has given updates on the status of a couple of his key cogs for his team’s upcoming game against a formidable opponent. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, coach Pope and his 2025-26 Wildcats are set to face coach Hubert Davis’ North Carolina Tar Heels on their home floor, Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
However, in a report by writer Jack Pilgrim, published on On3 on Monday, Dec. 1, it seems as though junior swingman Mouhamed Dioubate and third-year guard Jaland Lowe may be unavailable against the Tar Heels. Earlier in the campaign, Dioubate suffered an ankle injury, while Lowe re-injured his right shoulder during practice after initially dealing with it during the Wildcats’ pre-season preparations.
“There is an update, but I’m not going to tell you because we’re keeping it top secret until the game. We’re not allowed to, I think we have to make announcements here, I don’t know? Right? Something? Those guys are coming along. They’re doing the best they can. I’m not sure that they’re going to be available tomorrow, but they’re making progress. We can’t wait till they get back,” Pope was quoted as saying.
Speaking on Dioubate’s status specifically, Pope shared:
“I don’t know. I’m not sure how soon it will be, It was a pretty nasty sprain. But I do know he’s tough as nails, so I expect him to be back sooner than most mortals would be able to get back.”
With or without Dioubate and Lowe in the active lineup against UNC, Pope and the rest of his Wildcats will aim to get a victory. Kentucky currently has a 5-2 overall record, which has them ranked No. 1 in the SEC. They are coming off a huge 50-point triumph, 104-54, over the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles on Wednesday, Nov. 26, also on their home court.
Mouhamed Dioubate And Jaland Lowe Are Both Considered To Be Day-To-Day Due To Injuries
In the same report by On3 that interviews Mark Pope, the second-year Kentucky Wildcats coach confirmed that his program’s medical staff is considering both Mouhamed Dioubate and Jaland Lowe to be day-to-day.
This is because there have been reports of them attending Kentucky practice sessions, with Pope confirming that their injuries are not serious.
Also Read: “Still Won’t Make the Elite 8”: Fans Unfazed by Mark Pope and Kentucky’s Insane $22,000,000 NIL Budget
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