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Kentucky point guard Ryan Harrow returned to practice on Sunday

Transylvania v Kentucky

LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 05: Ryan Harrow #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball during the exhibition game against the Transylvania Pioneers at Rupp Arena on November 5, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

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The question “what’s up with Ryan Harrow” was one that many who follow college basketball asked after the NC State transfer took time away from the Kentucky problem to deal with two separate issues.

First there was his illness, and just when some thought that he was ready to make his return to the lineup he had to return to his native Marietta, GA to deal with a family issue. Luckily for the Wildcats, who despite a blowout win over LIU Brooklyn on Friday night still have an issue to address at point guard, the sophomore made his return to practice on Sunday.

Harrow may have been ineffective while under the weather in Kentucky’s season-opening win over Maryland, but his departure meant that freshman Archie Goodwin had to handle the point guard responsibilities most of the time with some help from Jarrod Polson.

Harrow rejoining the program is definitely a positive for the Wildcats; the only question now is just how much of an impact can he have now that he’s healthy.

Harrow released the following statement through the athletics department after Sunday’s practice:

“I would like to thank my teammates, the UK coaching staff and administration along with the Big Blue Nation for their support over the last couple of weeks while I was out,” Harrow’s statement said. “I’m feeling much better and it felt really good to get back on the practice court with the guys today.

“Unfortunately, when I started feeling better, I had an issue to tend to with my family over the holiday break. Everything is good with that now and I’m excited about playing with my brothers again.”


The Wildcats have won three straight games, and the schedule works out in their favor when it comes to working Harrow back into the rotation. Their next game, at Notre Dame, isn’t until Thursday night. And while it’s unknown at this point how much time he’ll see, giving Harrow a few days to get his feet wet can’t hurt.

Notre Dame’s backcourt features veterans Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant, and the Wildcats will need to be at their best on the perimeter if they’re to win in South Bend. Through five games the Wildcats lead the SEC in field goal and three point field goal percentage, and they’re also the best team in the conference in regards to assist-to-turnover ratio.

Those numbers came without Harrow in the lineup, but they’re going to need him to be a factor in order to maximize their chances of winning another national title.

Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.