Amari Williams suffers injury against Minnesota State; Mark Pope has an encouraging update

Update: Following Kentucky's 98-67 win over Minnesota State, head coach Mark Pope gave an encouraging update on Amari Williams.

“I think he's fine. The x-rays came back stable, but we will get more pictures tomorrow. We hope he comes back soon,” Pope said.

The Kentucky Wildcats got off to a good start in their second exhibition game against Minnesota State, starting a little slower than in the first game against Kentucky Wesleyan.

They also suffered a major blow early when Drexel transfer and starting center Amari Williams left the field about 16 minutes in with an apparent lower-body injury. He grimaced in pain on the sideline before walking under his own steam to the locker room to undergo further tests.

It's far too early to tell the extent of the injury, but let's hope it's nothing too serious for the talented, game-playing big man. Williams showed his importance to this squad in his first game, helping to lead the offense while providing a strong veteran presence in the low post.

We'll have to keep an eye on his possible return tonight. If not, we'll take a closer look at Oklahoma State transfer Brandon Garrison.

Williams has since emerged from the locker room and is now riding the exercise bike, so he appears to have avoided serious injury for the time being.