Freshman guard Travis Perry was absent from the Kentucky Wildcats’ rotation in the 84-75 win over Illinois in the Round of 32 as he continues to nurse a wrist injury.
Head coach Mark Pope addressed Perry’s status following the victory, expressing optimism about his availability moving forward.
“Travis Perry is still nursing this wrist (injury),” Pope said on the postgame radio show. “But he’s gonna be huge for us next weekend.”
Perry was spotted with a bandage on his right wrist during Kentucky’s open practice at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum last Thursday, one day before the Wildcats’ NCAA Tournament opener against Troy. Despite the visible wrap, the Lyon County product downplayed concerns, insisting he was ready to play, so that seemed like the end of the story.
Perry logged seven minutes in Kentucky’s win over Troy but went scoreless, missing both of his 3-point attempts. Against Illinois, he did not see the floor, though his absence may have been influenced by matchups rather than injury concerns.
Kentucky will need all hands on deck in its Sweet 16 showdown against No. 2 Tennessee this Friday in Indianapolis. Perry has already faced the Volunteers twice this season, seeing limited action in the first meeting but making an impact in the second, scoring eight points on 2/3 shooting from beyond the arc in 12 minutes. He helped close the game out after Lamont Butler left with 8:40 remaining due to injury.
If he’s healthy, Perry could provide valuable depth and perimeter shooting as the Wildcats look to continue their NCAA Tournament run and make the Elite Eight.