University of Kentucky men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope broke his silence today regarding the status of senior guard Kerr Kriisa, providing updates on both his health and future with the Wildcats program.
In a press conference held at Rupp Arena, Pope confirmed that Kriisa, who has been battling a nagging ankle injury since late last season, is progressing well in his rehabilitation.
> “Kerr is a competitor, and he’s working incredibly hard to get back to full strength,” Pope said. “He’s been putting in the hours with our medical staff, and we’re optimistic about where he’ll be by the start of the season.”
Kriisa transferred to Kentucky ahead of the 2024–25 season and quickly became a vocal leader on and off the court. Known for his court vision and fiery style of play, the Estonian native averaged 9.8 points and 5.2 assists last season before being sidelined during the SEC Tournament.
While speculation swirled regarding Kriisa’s potential departure or interest in playing overseas, Pope confirmed that the guard remains committed to the Wildcats.
> “Kerr loves this program, and he wants to finish what he started here,” Pope added. “We’ve had great conversations, and he’s excited to contribute in a big way next season.”
Pope also hinted at an evolving role for Kriisa, suggesting the coaching staff may leverage his experience to mentor the younger backcourt players as Kentucky looks to rebound from a turbulent March Madness exit.
Fans can expect a clearer picture during summer workouts, but for now, the message from the Wildcats is clear: Kerr Kriisa is staying put — and gearing up for a strong comeback.
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