Jarred Vanderbilt: Kentucky freshman forward out for three months after injury

Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Kentucky freshman forward Jarred Vanderbilt expects to return in January after suffering an injury to his left foot.

The school announced the news on Saturday.

Vanderbilt's left foot injury will likely require surgery.

"I just want to let the Big Blue Nation know I'm going to be fine and looking forward to coming back better than ever," Vanderbilt said in a school news release. "I've had some setbacks before and I've come back from all of them. After talking with my doctor and my family, I feel good about the plan they have in place for me. I'm anxious to get this right and return to my team so I can put this behind me for good. I can't wait to get back to my brothers and help us compete for a national championship this season."

He suffered the injury Friday during a team skill instruction.

The Victory Prep Academy star averaged 28.5 points, 13.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists during his senior season. He was ranked the No. 9 prospect by 247Sports and the No. 12 player by Scout.com.

"As I told Jarred, my concern for him is getting this thing right and getting him healthy for the rest of his career," Kentucky coach John Calipari said in the news release.

"We'll miss him on the court, but I want what's best for him and his family, and right now that's taking care of this injury and making sure he doesn't have to worry about it again. With the motor and worth ethic I've seen from him, I have no doubt he's going to be better than ever when he returns and will provide us with a huge lift in conference play. Now it's up to his teammates to hold the fort down until he gets back."