Kentucky basketball: Terrence Clarke gets ‘crushing’ injury news

Kentucky basketball and Terrence Clarke got bad news regarding his injured ankle. He’s likely to miss significantly more time.

Kentucky basketball fans aren’t likely to see Terrence Clarke again in 2021.

According to head coach John Calipari, the freshman guard who has been missing since the end of December because of an ankle injury is expected to be out for another four weeks.

Clarke’s season is essentially over with the regular season set to end in just over three weeks.

Calipari called the news “crushing.”

Terrence Clarke hasn’t had the chance to live up to expectations with Kentucky

Clarke was a five-star prospect in the class of 2021, ranking No. 8 nationally and No. 2 among shooting guards in the 247Sports composite. His commitment helped ensure the Wildcats signed the nation’s No. 1 class.

Before his injury, Clarke averaged 10.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. He showed some promise with a 22-point outing against Georgia Tech.

However, his draft stock has taken a plunge due to his inconsistency and lengthy absence. In his final performance, he played 16 scoreless minutes.

The 6-foot-7 prospect is expected to put his name in the NBA Draft pool as a one-and-done player. His time with Kentucky is almost certainly nearing its end.

The 2020-21 campaign hasn’t been what Calipari and company would have hoped for. The Wildcats are 5-12. Their latest loss to Tennessee on Saturday was the third in a row for the team.

Before the game with the Volunteers, Calipari hoped to get Clarke practicing and on track to finally return to play. He referenced MRIs and scans being unable to explain his limping while essentially calling out the player.

At the time, it was believed that another missed game would be a sign that Clarke would be unable to return at all. That assessment was right.