Well I guess this is more true now than yesterday at noon when we posted it.

 

Real shame. Hate to hear this for Poythress.

 

Yeah jeez hate for any player to end season on an injury.

I believe it has to be less than 30% of regular season games. Alex has only played in 8/31 games. So, he should be able to get a medical redshirt for this season.

 

He will be able to apply for a redshirt if he chooses to do so.

He's only in his third year, but I'm pretty sure he's set to graduate after three.

 

Coach Cal on his Blog this morning:

 

Alex tore his ACL during yesterday’s practice. It was a breakaway layup and no one bumped him. He stepped with his left foot and just went down.

 

When I saw Alex last night, I said to him exactly what I said to Nerlens: “You’re fine. If this is something crazy, you have insurance and you’re a millionaire. You have even more time than Nerlens had to prepare yourself for the draft if that’s what you choose to do. You can also come back. You’re going to have your degree in May and you can start on a master’s degree for your last year.” Alex is nearly a straight-A student and one of the greatest kids that I’ve ever coached.

 

Our team was devastated for Alex when I told them. There were tears throughout the room because this hurt them to the core. How they will respond I really don’t know, but I will do my best to be there for each of these kids.

 

I told them, this is a big blow to our team. No one will be able to replace Alex and what he did for this team. I go back to last year’s NCAA Tournament. Without Alex, we don’t win those games. No one will be able to replace him, but now everybody has to do a little bit more as we try to circle the wagons.

 

The bolded.

Sad news. I really hate it for Alex. His physicality and experience will certainly be missed. But this isn't the end of basketball for him, as Nerlin and many others have proven.

In addition to the above, Cal also said the following on coachcal.com.

 

When you’re coaching other people’s children and these children have high aspirations and unlimited potential – not only to do things for themselves but for other people – I can’t begin to tell you the feeling when someone gets hurt.

My own son, Brad, tore his ACL last year. All I can tell you is I was physically sick when it happened to him. I feel exactly the same way now that it’s happened to Alex.

I have a lot of faith in this team and our individual players. We aren’t even close to where we could be if we just keep improving. Our goals haven’t changed. Our path just got a little tougher.

Say a prayer for Alex and his family. It was devastating news to all of us, but Alex is going to be fine.

Hate it for Alex. Work your tail off in rehab after surgery.

The reason that Cal is a great recruiter and player manager is that he understands how to speak to people. That interview is about as classy as you possibly can get.

 

Hopefully Poythress can make a full recovery. He has the potential to make a living at this game in Europe or the NBDL and that beats sitting behind a desk any day.

Hopefully Poythress can make a full recovery. He has the potential to make a living at this game in Europe or the NBDL and that beats sitting behind a desk any day.

 

I'd sure as hell take it. I wish he could develop a somewhat consistent jump shot, would really help him make a lot more money.

I'd sure as hell take it. I wish he could develop a somewhat consistent jump shot, would really help him make a lot more money.

The time during rehab might help on his jump shot.

Poythress was the difference maker in the UL and Michigan games during the NCAA tournament last season. The team is built a lot differently now, but he brought a lot of intangible qualities that will be missed. I guess Lyles moves in to his place, but it would not shock me to see UK settle with Ullis, twins, KAT, and WCS when the dust clears.

Just seeing this...so sad for AP. Seems to be a great kid...he's smart and has great support around him. As bad as this sucks he'll be OK.

Alex is one of my favorite all time Cats. I'm just sick to my stomach. Get healthy soon my friend.

Coach Cal on his Blog this morning:

 

Alex tore his ACL during yesterday’s practice. It was a breakaway layup and no one bumped him. He stepped with his left foot and just went down.

 

When I saw Alex last night, I said to him exactly what I said to Nerlens: “You’re fine. If this is something crazy, you have insurance and you’re a millionaire. You have even more time than Nerlens had to prepare yourself for the draft if that’s what you choose to do. You can also come back. You’re going to have your degree in May and you can start on a master’s degree for your last year.” Alex is nearly a straight-A student and one of the greatest kids that I’ve ever coached.

 

Our team was devastated for Alex when I told them. There were tears throughout the room because this hurt them to the core. How they will respond I really don’t know, but I will do my best to be there for each of these kids.

 

I told them, this is a big blow to our team. No one will be able to replace Alex and what he did for this team. I go back to last year’s NCAA Tournament. Without Alex, we don’t win those games. No one will be able to replace him, but now everybody has to do a little bit more as we try to circle the wagons.

 

The bolded!

Good old Lordes of London.

Really feel bad for him and his family. I think about these kids as being lined up to make a lot of money for himself and his family next year. I hope this is not jeopardized.

Man I really hate to see this. I said this in one of the game threads...when Alex is playing with confidence and is aggressive there aren't many that are as fun to watch. He's obviously a great kid and very smart. Getting his degree in 3 years while playing D1 basketball at the highest level? That is extremely impressive.

 

After reading some of the quotes from Cal it makes me even more grateful that he is coaching for UK.