Adou Thiero remains out at South Carolina, John Calipari wonders why
Make that seven straight games missed for Adou Thiero. Last suiting up in Kentucky’s win at Louisville on December 21 over a month ago, the sophomore forward isn’t quite ready to return down in Columbia.
John Calipari announced Thiero would be out for the team’s matchup at South Carolina on Tuesday.
“He won’t play, but watching him I’ve got to say, ‘Well, why aren’t you playing?'” he said. “Like, he’s dunking balls and doing stuff.’ ‘Well, I’m a little bit hurt.’ Some of these guys start playing really well, you’d better get back here and fight.'”
Initially described as “general soreness,” Calipari has since confirmed it’s a back issue keeping the 6-8 sophomore out. He said during pregame on Saturday that Thiero was “on the path where he needs to be” regarding a return, then added postgame he had begun working out again.
He returned to practice this week and was seen at shootaround ahead of the matchup. As close as he may be, it’s apparently not enough to play quite yet.
Thiero is averaging 7.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game on the year.
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