Jaland Lowe expected to make Kentucky debut vs. Valpo, Trent Noah likely held out

Good news and bad news, folks. And that bad news is probably better described as not-so-great-but-promising-long-term news. All in all, things are looking up for the Kentucky Wildcats entering game two vs. Valparaiso and beyond.

Jaland Lowe, out since the Blue-White Game with a right shoulder injury, is expected to make his official debut as a Wildcat. Mark Pope says the Pittsburgh transfer and preseason All-SEC selection will practice today, and if all goes well, he’ll suit up against the Beacons on Friday.

“I think so,” Pope said of Lowe’s availability in game two. “He’ll have a full practice today. He’s been really good the last couple of days, and so I hope so.”

Lowe is back after Denzel Aberdeen, Collin Chandler and Jasper Johnson took over primary ball-handling duties to wrap up the exhibition schedule and game one vs. Nicholls. Aberdeen also missed the second exhibition matchup vs. Georgetown with a sore leg, but returned to play in the opener.

As for the other news, Trent Noah went down with an ankle injury in the Nicholls win, playing just nine minutes in the first half before sitting out the entirety of the second. Pope said after the game the training staff actually cleared him to return — he went through a full workout at halftime and said he was ready to go — but he didn’t want to risk it with more to risk than gain in a 26-point win.

Where do things stand going into Valpo? Don’t expect to see the Harlan native practice today or play tomorrow, but all in all, things are great as far as long-term availability is concerned.

“I expect he’s gonna be back soon,” Pope said. “I don’t think we’ll practice him today. I don’t know if he’ll be available tomorrow — I’m guessing maybe it’s probably a toss-up whether he will be or not, I’m probably leaning toward saving him and just trying to get him healthy.”

The issue? Noah wants to play — and he’d tell you he’s totally ready to go, no questions asked. Again, he tried to return against Nicholls, so sometimes you have to step in and save them from themselves.

He’s close and going to be fine, but with the quick turnaround and his importance once we get into the heart of the schedule, it’s probably for the best to hold off. He loves his heart, though!

“The one complicated thing about training is you love players like this,” Pope continued. “I love having guys like this. I would kill to have a roster full of guys like this. He’s never going to tell you that he’s in pain, ever, ever, ever. I’ll probably err a little bit on the side of caution.”

Beating Valpo is important and getting Lowe back will certainly help that, but all eyes are on that Louisville matchup inside the KFC Yum! Center on Tuesday. It sounds like the Cats will be close to full strength for that one.

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