Justin McBride’s father clears the air on son’s extended Kentucky absence

Where in the world is Justin McBride? The James Madison transfer’s father wants to put Big Blue Nation at ease following his noticeable absence from recent Kentucky team photos. McBride wasn’t in the group shot outside the Sphere when the Wildcats hung out in Las Vegas, and then did not play in the La Familia matchup this past week at the Joe Craft Center. Exactly 50 people in the gym, but no sign of the senior forward. UK Athletics Now, we know BBN never worries about this kind of thing and has remained level-headed, offering rational takes, but just in case… KSR+ broke the news that he was dealing with an illness and away from the team back on Wednesday. Now, McBride’s father, Regis, has confirmed his son is sick and the absence is not a concern. “Wow Wow my son has been under the weather for the past week and he was in Vegas,” McBride said on social media. “Summer flu bug, he is fine. With my Aaron (Rodgers) voice: R E L A X.” McBride came to Kentucky following previous stops at Oklahoma State, Nevada, and, most recently, James Madison. He averaged 15.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest this past season while shooting 40 percent from three in his best year to date. That opened the door to a dream-turned-reality in Lexington. “Just [being] here in Lexington, obviously, is a dream come true, you know, all the pros that come here, but just coming here and actually seeing the campus and seeing the role to play and talking to Coach Pope and the staff, and what my role will be here,” McBride said. “Not just being here just because we want to be here. You want to be here because it’s a privilege to be here. So it’s really great and a blessing to be here and just to see my style of play and play here with great teammates.” The flu took him off the hardwood and away from the team — but only temporarily. McBride will be back for the Wildcats before we know it. Get well soon.