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Kentucky Wildcats Honor Alex Poythress By Wearing His Number (Photo)

Nov 30, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) guard Aaron Harrison (2) guard Andrew Harrison (5) forward Karl-Anthony Towns (12) and guard forward Alex Poythress (22) enter the game against the Providence Friars during the first half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) guard Aaron Harrison (2) guard Andrew Harrison (5) forward Karl-Anthony Towns (12) and guard forward Alex Poythress (22) enter the game against the Providence Friars during the first half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

The Kentucky Wildcats honored Alex Poythress by wearing his number after the forward tore his ACL.

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While the Kentucky Wildcats won’t likely feel the on-court impact of losing Alex Poythress to a torn ACL earlier this week, there’s no denying the loss stung emotionally.

Deeper than just about any other college basketball team in the country, the Wildcats will go on without Poythress but that doesn’t mean the forward isn’t on the mind of the ‘Cats who are honoring the underclassman in the best way they know how – by wearing his No. 22 number.

Instead of rocking their usual warmup shirt, the Kentucky Wildcats decided to wear Alex Poythress’ in their tilt against the North Carolina Tar Heels.

In addition to wearing Alex Poythress’ number, players are routinely making their way over to the injured forward and giving him a high five every time they come off the floor, a sentiment well received by Poythress who has been seen grinning ear-t0-ear.

Obviously, Alex Poythress was a massive influence in the Kentucky Wildcat’s locker room and losing the underclassman has been taxing on their emotional state. Still, it hasn’t hurt the on-court product (at least not yet) as the Kentucky Wildcats held a 15 point lead over the Tar Heels at half.

A very cool gesture by the players on Kentucky’s roster and one that Alex Poythress will understandably never forget.

Hopefully he’ll make a full recovery from his ACL tear and be back for the Wildcat’s next season at some point.

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