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Oscar Tshiebwe, Daimion Collins ruled out for Kentucky vs Duquesne

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz11/11/22NickSchultz_7
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Oscar Tshiebwe and Daimion Collins are going to have to wait to make their season debuts. Kentucky announced both players will miss Friday’s game against Duquesne.

Tshiebwe — the reigning National Player of the Year — is still dealing with a right leg injury and John Calipari confirmed he underwent a procedure in October. Collins, meanwhile, missed the season opener due to personal reasons after the sudden passing of his father last week and will miss Friday’s game, as well.

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The Wildcats announced their full starting five for their second game of the young season. Cason Wallace, C.J. Fredrick, Lance Ware, Chris Livingston and Jacob Toppin will all get the start against Duquesne. That game tips off at 7 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.

John Calipari discusses balancing minutes throughout early season absences

The early part of the season will be key for Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari when it comes to sorting out his rotation. With Oscar Tshiebwe, Sahvir Wheeler and Daimion Collins all sitting out the Wildcats’ season opener Monday, Calipari had more minutes to give out to players who are still trying to find out where they fit in.

Those players rose up to the challenge as Kentucky cruised to a 95-63 victory against Howard. In his postgame press conference, Calipari talked about the importance of that opportunity for his players, and how he expects the next game against Duquesne to be similar.

“I’m holding guys to a high standard because they’re gonna be fighting for minutes,” Calipari said. “Most of ’em will come down to, ‘Are you breaking down defensively? Are you not rebounding balls?’ Then I’ve gotta play someone else and there’s two or three of you.

“So, whoever’s the best defender, the best rebounder, a guy that’s out there and we click. The greatest thing about this game and I believe next game is everybody’s getting minutes to show what they are and if there’s any separation, you’ll see it.”