University of Kentucky basketball star Jordan Matthews has opened up about a terrifying near-death experience following a freak injury during practice last month. The 6’7” forward, widely considered a top prospect for the upcoming NBA Draft, revealed details about the harrowing incident that left him hospitalized for days.
“I nearly lost my life,” Matthews said in an exclusive interview. “One moment I was going for a rebound, and the next thing I remember, I was waking up in a hospital bed with tubes in my mouth.”
Sources close to the team confirmed that Matthews suffered a severe internal injury after a hard fall during a routine scrimmage. Initially thought to be a minor accident, his condition quickly worsened, leading to emergency surgery to stop internal bleeding. Doctors later revealed that he had suffered a ruptured spleen, a rare but potentially fatal injury in basketball.
Kentucky head coach John Calipari expressed relief that Matthews is on the road to recovery. “It was a scary moment for all of us. He’s a fighter, and we’re just grateful he’s still with us. Basketball is important, but nothing matters more than his health.”
Matthews, who has been projected as a lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, remains uncertain about his future in the sport. While doctors have cleared him for a full recovery, the mental and physical toll of the incident has made him reassess his path forward.
“I love basketball, but this put everything into perspective. I’m taking it one day at a time,” he said.
For now, Matthews remains on the sidelines, supporting his teammates and focusing on rehabilitation. Kentucky fans, who have rallied behind their star player, hope to see him back on the court soon.
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