Andrew Carr is determined to move past lingering back issues that have affected him since early January. The fifth-year forward missed the Kentucky Wildcats’ Jan. 25 loss to Vanderbilt and played just two minutes against Tennessee but has seen increased minutes recently — 15 against Arkansas and 23 at Ole Miss.

Despite Kentucky’s struggles, Carr’s return is a positive sign. He played a key role in the Wildcats’ early-season win over Duke, and his ability to space the floor and provide interior presence remains valuable.

Against Ole Miss, he contributed 10 points on 3/3 shooting, four rebounds, and three assists, all without a turnover.

The real news is that Carr suffered no setbacks as he continues to fully recover from the injury.

“The best news is that he came out feeling just as good as he did the day before,” head coach Mark Pope said Thursday. “That’s the most important thing. I think he was really frustrated with his work on the defensive end. I think he made some really positive plays on the offensive end, some quick reads, some plays for teammates, and some really physical attacking things at the rim.

“He’s coming. He’s gonna get back to having a massive, massive impact on our team.”

Pope remains focused on getting his roster healthy, with Lamont Butler making progress in his recovery and Kerr Kriisa still working his way back. Kentucky’s depth will be tested, but Carr’s continued improvement could be a crucial boost.