Key Kentucky Player Ruled Out for Season, Could Return for Wildcats Next Year
Kentucky guard Kerr Kriisa’s season has officially come to an end, as head coach Mark Pope confirmed that the veteran playmaker will not be able to return from injury. However, there is still a possibility that Kriisa could be back in a Wildcats uniform next season if he qualifies for a medical redshirt.
“We’re past the window now where he could actually get back,” Pope said. “It’s been a little bit of a stubborn healing process and he just hasn’t reached the benchmarks he’s needed to get to in terms of that healing process.”
Kriisa, who transferred to Kentucky after previous stops at Arizona and West Virginia, played in just nine games this season before being sidelined. In his limited action, he averaged 4.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game while logging 17.3 minutes per contest.
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His experience and leadership were valuable assets for the Wildcats, particularly in the backcourt, but his inability to return from injury leaves a void as the team enters postseason play. The good news for both Kriisa and Kentucky is that he meets the criteria for a medical redshirt, which would grant him an additional year of college eligibility if approved. Pope previously addressed this possibility in February, noting that the Estonian guard narrowly falls within the NCAA guidelines.
“Kerr could get a medical redshirt because he meets qualifications,” Pope said. “The two qualifications are less than 30 percent of the games played – he’s barely under 30 percent – and not played past the mid-point. So that is a possibility.”
If Kriisa does receive a medical redshirt, it could be a significant boost for Kentucky heading into next season. His veteran presence, court vision, and ability to stretch the floor as a shooter would provide stability in the backcourt, especially with most of the roster graduating this Spring.
For now, Kriisa’s focus will be on his recovery, while Kentucky prepares for the SEC Tournament and an NCAA Tournament run. Without him, the Wildcats will need their remaining guards to step up, particularly with postseason play requiring depth and consistency.
Whether or not Kriisa returns next season remains to be seen, but if granted another year, he could play a crucial role in Pope’s second season at the helm. His time on the court was cut short, but there’s a strong chance Big Blue Nation hasn’t seen the last of him in a Kentucky jersey.
