John Calipari gave injury updates on Jarred Vanderbilt, Jemarl Baker and Tai Wynyard during his media address at SEC Media Day.
The three are still out as of now. Calipari is still not sure if Vanderbilt will need surgery on his foot. He also said that Baker, who is dealing with a knee injury, may need another week or so. Wynyard is still out with a back injury.
Calipari: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jemarl Baker and Tai Wynyard are still out with injury. They will be evaluated in a week. #BBN
— Jay Siskin (@jaysiskin) October 18, 2017
John Calipari mentions he’s not sure if Jarred Vanderbilt needs surgery on foot. It’s an option, if it comes down to it. #BBN
— Jay Siskin (@jaysiskin) October 18, 2017
However, Calipari later told ESPN that it’s possible Vanderbilt misses the entire season.
"If he's not 100 percent, he won't play," Calipari said. "If he can't get ready this year, then he won't play this year."
Vanderbilt suffered an injury to his ankle before arriving on campus, but was healthy when practice started. He then suffered the foot injury in practice. He had a walking boot on during Big Blue Madness. Without him, Kentucky can’t press, run, or stretch the floor as much, Calipari said previously.
Baker’s teammates have called him one of the best 3-point shooters on the team, and when addressing his knee injury in the past, Calipari said they’ll miss him as a shooter on the floor until he’s back.
Baker and Wynyard’s injuries don’t sound as though they’ll keep either player out for a very long time, although getting accustomed to the team’s style in these early days of practice are crucial.