Acting Mizzou men’s basketball coach previews Kentucky game

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou assistant coach Cornell Mann will act as the temporary head coach in MU's matchup with Kentucky on Wednesday, as head coach Cuonzo Martin is out due to COVID-19.

Mann said, prior to the start of the team's Dec. 26 practice, the entire group underwent testing. He added that Martin's positive test result came back the next day, on Dec. 27.

"We're as prepared as anybody would be for this type of situation," he said.

The SEC opener against Kentucky was actually Mann's scout report, so he said the transition was not that difficult on his end.

"He's [Cuonzo Martin] been in touch with us the whole time," Mann said. "He's given us a little freedom in terms of, of course, we're here. But, he's aware of everything that's going on. He's aware of the practice, the practice plan, and those things."

Mizzou and Kentucky will tip off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in Lexington.