CJ Fredrick injured at practice ahead of Kentucky's preseason pro day

Kentucky‘s CJ Fredrick will be sidelined for the next several days with an ankle injury, Kentucky head coach John Calipari revealed.

Fredrick, who transferred Kentucky last offseason after two seasons with Iowa, where he averaged 8.8 points per game over 52 starts with the Hawkeyes, missed all of last season with a leg injury that required surgery before the 2021 season.

“Bad news is CJ Fredrick, who has been playing as well as anyone – making shots, low turnovers, great defensive presence – turned his ankle and is out for a few days. Unfortunately, the scouts won’t be able to see him and the incredible progress he’s made,” Calipari tweeted Sunday morning. “Happy it’s not serious!”

Fredrick’s first minutes in a Kentucky uniform came over the summer during Kentucky’s trip to the Bahamas. On a minutes restriction during the four-game stretch, Fredrick was able to showcase his 3-point game and defensive ability ahead of what he hopes to be a major comeback season.

CJ Fredrick reveals what kind of player Kentucky fans will see

Kentucky fans still haven’t seen CJ Fredrick play in a Wildcats uniform as he dealt with injuries last season. But as the offseason rolls on, he’s hoping to play a big role for John Calipari’s group in 2022-23.

Fredrick transferred to Kentucky last year after two seasons with Iowa, where he averaged 8.8 points per game over 52 starts with the Hawkeyes. As he works to get back on the court this year, he told reporters what he hopes fans will see from him.

“I hope they see someone that just plays super hard,” Fredrick said during the Kentucky Kroger Tour at Georgetown. “Someone that’s going to make shots and just compete on both ends of the floor and make the right play always. Just help the team in any way I can.”

Kentucky is looking to build off a strong 2021-22 season. The Wildcats finished 26-8 overall, 14-4 in SEC play and became a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.