Kentucky's Injured Point Guard Jaland Lowe Reflects on Season

Lowe discusses his recovery process, offering advice to teammates, and his plans to return next season

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:53pm

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UK basketball guard Jaland Lowe, who has been sidelined for most of the season due to shoulder injuries, spoke to reporters following Kentucky's SEC Tournament win over Missouri. Lowe discussed the mental and physical challenges of his recovery process, how he's been supporting his teammates from the sideline, and his plans to return to the team next season.

Why it matters

Lowe's injury has forced him to take on a different role this season, providing him with a new perspective on the game and an opportunity to mentor his younger teammates. His recovery process and determination to return next year serve as an inspiring example for other injured athletes.

The details

Lowe suffered a series of right shoulder injuries, the first occurring during Kentucky's annual Blue-White Game in October and the most recent coming during the team's home game against Mississippi State on Jan. 10. After the Mississippi State game, UK coach Mark Pope announced that Lowe would undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the season. In total, Lowe played in just 9 games this season.

  • Lowe suffered his first shoulder injury during Kentucky's annual Blue-White Game in October.
  • Lowe suffered his most recent shoulder injury during UK's home game against Mississippi State on Jan. 10.
  • In January, UK coach Mark Pope announced that Lowe would undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the season.

The players

Jaland Lowe

A junior guard for the Kentucky Wildcats who has been sidelined for most of the season due to a series of shoulder injuries.

Mark Pope

The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team.

Denzel Aberdeen

A senior guard for the Kentucky Wildcats who has taken on a larger role at point guard since Lowe's injury.

Kam Williams

A sophomore wing for the Kentucky Wildcats who recently returned to the team after missing 7 weeks with a broken foot.

Brandon Garrison

A reserve big man for the Kentucky Wildcats who has sought advice from Lowe during the season.

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What they’re saying

“It got to a point where it was just like, 'Yeah, let's just protect our health, protect our future and do what's best for us and our future, and not do anything that jeopardizes that.'”

— Jaland Lowe, Kentucky Basketball Player

“I'm the energy guy. I'm there for my guys when they need it. Just give them a little input when they need it. But I'm just here supporting my guys.”

— Jaland Lowe, Kentucky Basketball Player

“I want to say this. I think that might be the hardest thing to do. I think I give Denzel the most credit out of everybody, because he's a person that has never really played the point guard position.”

— Jaland Lowe, Kentucky Basketball Player

“Am I going to come back? Am I going to be like how it was before? Or am I good enough to just even get out on that court right now? And trying to protect your health at all costs. All that goes through your head every single day, no matter what.”

— Jaland Lowe, Kentucky Basketball Player

“I don't think about leaving the team or leaving the coaching staff. I'm really here right now, present with these guys. But, I mean, my plan has always just been to come back. If that happens, that happens, and I'd be happy with that.”

— Jaland Lowe, Kentucky Basketball Player

What’s next

Lowe is targeting June or July for a return to basketball activities with contact as he continues his recovery process.

The takeaway

Lowe's injury has provided him with a new perspective on the game, allowing him to observe the finer details and mentor his younger teammates. His determination to return next season and contribute to the team's success is an inspiring example of perseverance in the face of adversity.