Jayden Quaintance ahead of schedule with ACL rehab but Kentucky taking cautious approach

As expected, Jayden Quaintance did not participate in any five-on-five action in Tuesday’s practice as he rehabs from ACL surgery, but you could see the big man in the background of The Field of 68’s live show shooting free throws and passing the ball to his teammates. Mark Pope did his best to avoid giving a timeline for Quaintance’s return to the court, but did share some updates on his progress.

“He’s in the five and a half month stage right now,” Pope told Jeff Goodman and Rob Dauster. “His numbers are ridiculous. Right now — he went from when he first got here, 49-46% strength asymmetry between his legs in all different categories. Now he’s at a 3%. Mind you, that’s talking about a 3% asymmetry with a strength that’s like 20% higher than the average same size and weight of an NBA player.”

What the heck is strength asymmetry? As KSBoard member WildcatBelle99 explained, it’s the strength difference between legs. So, when Quaintance arrived at UK to rehab his knee, his healthy leg was 46-49% stronger than his injured one; now, it’s only 3% stronger. Pretty impressive. Pope said that while Quaintance is ahead of schedule in his rehab, the staff wants to play it safe to minimize the risk of reinjury.

“I do know that we are going to proceed with the utmost caution. He’s actually passing benchmarks faster than we humanly thought he possibly could. With that said, we’re still going to be smart because he’s got an incredible future in this game. And he’s so physical and strong and explosive that he could probably trick us.”

“So we’re going to be really cautious,” Pope continued. “We have a whole map laid out. We’re going to see how it goes. I’d love to see him on the court and full speed tomorrow. It’s probably not going to happen.”

While rehabbing, Quaintance has actually grown two inches and gained 40 lbs., which Pope confirmed with the help of Kentucky MBB Sports Information Director Deb Moore. Last week, a video went around showing Quaintance going all out in the weight room, running, jumping, lifting, and squatting. After leaving the Joe Craft Center, Goodman said on Sources Say that he would be shocked if Quaintance is ready to go when the season starts in early November, estimating his return for early December instead.

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Quaintance still dominating Pope in chess

When he isn’t in the weight room, Quaintance is in Pope’s office dominating his coach on the chessboard. The sophomore is up 4-1 on Pope in chess, thanks in part to some intimidation tactics.

“This kid, you want to talk about the intensity,” Pope said. “He’s like Tim Duncan. Remember how Tim would just say something under his breath that didn’t mean anything just to screw with you on the court? So, when we’re playing chess, I’m locked in and I’m like, I think I got him! And I’m excited.

“All of a sudden, halfway through, we’ll be playing for half an hour, all of a sudden, he’ll start humming, but it’s not humming a tune. It’s this monotone hum, and then I’m like, oh no. Oh no. Invariably, he’s seeing something that’s going to get me. The kid’s a savant, man. He’s special.”

Goodman echoed that on KSR Tuesday morning, sharing what one of the Arizona State assistant coaches told him about Quaintance after his season in Tempe.

“He’s unbelievable. Gets up every day and runs a mile, would come back at night and shoot. Only drinks water, not on social media. Reads books. Big-time chess player, has never smoked or had a drink.”

The moment Quaintance checks in or is introduced for his first game at Rupp Arena will be a special one.