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Kerr Kriisa and Kentucky have been quite fortunate in the 2024-25 college basketball season, becoming one of the top teams in the nation at No. 5 in the AP rankings. It has upset more talented squads Duke and Gonzaga en route to an 8-1 record.
The Wildcats' excellent performance during this year's campaign has come with a cost, though. That's because backup guard Kerr Kriisa sustained a non-contact foot injury in the second half, leading him to miss the remainder of Saturday's game against the Bulldogs.
Initial reports said that Kriisa, who was averaging 4.4 points and 3.8 assists as backup point guard to Lamont Butler, suffered a Jones fracture. The school announced later that the 6-3 West Virginia transfer will require surgery and will be out indefinitely.
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Nevertheless, college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman reported that Kriisa will be out 3-6 weeks and potentially return in January. On Monday, Kentucky coach Mark Pope updated Goodman's previous report, saying on his radio show that the Estonian guard would suit up soon.
“He’s (Kriisa) dealing with the best doctors and performance team in the country, so we’re expecting him back sooner rather than later,” Pope said.
The Kentucky chief tactician hailed Kriisa for playing defense despite suffering the injury and delivered what he claims as the most memorable pre-game speech in his coaching career.
Kerr Kriisa's injury will give Jaxson Robinson more starting opportunities
Kerr Kriisa's foot injury benefited another Kentucky backup to show his full talent against Gonzaga. Jaxson Robinson stepped up for the Wildcats, scoring 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including 2-of-5 3-pointers.
The 6-foot-6 BYU transfer guard also tallied three rebounds, five assists and one steal, effectively handling the playmaking duties of Kriisa and Lamont Butler. He orchestrated a thrilling comeback that helped the Wildcats claw back from 18 points down and win in overtime.
Robinson has six games where he scored at least 12 points, including his season-high 20 points against Lipscomb. During the season, he's averaging 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 43.9% shooting from the field.
Kentucky will need the guard's playmaking skills once more if Butler and Kriisa continues to ride the bench for long as they recover from injuries.
The No. 5 Wildcats' next assignment is Colgate on Wednesday at the Rupp Arena. A win will move them to 9-1 ahead of their rivalry matchup with Louisville on Saturday.
Aside from Jaxson Robinson, who needs to step up for Kentucky following the series of injuries to guards Kerr Kriisa and Lamont Butler? Let's know your views in the comments section:
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