Jemarl Baker injury update

The Kentucky Wildcats are three games into the new season, but Jemarl Baker has yet to log a single collegiate minute.

That’s because a knee issue has kept Baker sidelined since the Blue-White Game, head coach John Calipari revealed on Wednesday.

“He hadn’t been on the practice floor at all,” Calipari said. “I think he shot around yesterday and the day before, but he has not practiced at all since Blue-White (Game).”

Then on Friday, assistant coach Tony Barbee gave a slightly more encouraging update on Baker, though it remains to be seen when he’ll actually play.

“He’s (Baker) in and out of practice right now, so it’s hit or miss,” said Barbee.

It’s good to hear Baker is at least getting some practice time in. He’s been see doing some shooting and warmups before the last two games, though that’s obviously very light work and not the strain of a full practice session.

Until Baker is healthy enough to get in a full practice, he’s not going to play, and that’s unfortunate after he missed all of last year due to knee surgery. At worst, Baker could have a Mychal Mulder-type of role on this team and provide emergency depth if other guards are hurt or in foul trouble.

Then there’s the fact that Baker is a three-point specialist, and this is a team that currently has just one player with more than two made threes through the first three games (PJ Washington with 5).

This team has yet to show three-point shooting won’t be an issue, so Baker could still carve out a role if he could just stay healthy.

Get well soon.

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