The Old DJ Wagner Returned Just in Time for March

by:Nick Roush•03/03/24•

RoushKSR

For a time this season, DJ Wagner was Kentucky’s most reliable option as the shot clock expired. That feels like it was months and months ago. A nagging ankle injury sidelined the New Jersey native for multiple weeks in two different stretches. It took some time, but the old DJ finally returned to Rupp Arena, just in time for postseason play.

In Saturday’s 111-102 victory over Arkansas, Wagner eyed down a three-pointer in the opening minute. It was his only miss of the day.

He hit long balls on back-to-back possessions to give the Wildcats their first six points. Wagner nailed a couple more and finished the game with four three-pointers, a new season-high. In the final box score, he was 6 of 7 from the field for 19 points and only one turnover in 26 minutes of action.

Wagner hit a pair of threes against Georgia on Jan. 20. He did not make another shot from downtown until he sunk two earlier this week at Mississippi State. Despite the cold streak, he did not get discouraged.

“You’re not going to make shots every game. I try not to dwell on that, if I miss shots or make shots. Today, they just happened to fall in my favor,” he told KSR after the win.

“It’s all about staying in the gym, no matter what. If you make a shot or miss a shot, stay in the gym and it’s going to come.”

Can Mitchell Pull a Wagner?

It took time for Wagner to rediscover his legs. Now his teammate is in a similar situation. Tre Mitchell returned on Saturday after missing four straight games. Once shooting just shy of 40% from three, that number has dipped to 32.1%. He misfired on three attempts against Arkansas, extending his three-point drought that started on Jan. 27. Wagner is confident Mitchell will play his way back into shape.

“It’s not easy to catch a rhythm, especially coming off injury,” said Wagner. “He sat out a couple games, so it’s a little hard to get your rhythm at first but we’re confident in him. We know what kind of player he is, so we’re not really worried about it.”

Mitchell looked like he hadn’t played in a few weeks against Arkansas, and that’s okay. There were plenty of others ready to pick up the slack, something that will come in handy this month.

“Everybody can make plays. We’re getting better at defense. I just feel like we’ve got a team that wants to win,” said Rob Dillingham. “I feel like our team can do offense, defense, whatever coach needs us to do.”