Short-handed Huskies prepare for NIT opener
UConn is limping into its NIT opener against Arizona State tomorrow night in Storrs.
The Huskies were shorthanded for Tuesday's practice, missing two starters.
Senior Ryan Boatright is questionable for Wednesday's post-season game. He's trying to bounce back from a left shoulder sprain suffered in Sunday's American Athletic Conference loss to Southern Methodist University.
Boatright, the team's leading scorer and co-captain, didn't practice Tuesday. He's spending a lot of rehab time with team trainer James Doran.
Doran said that Boatright, who's already had an x-ray, will have an MRI after the season is over.
"We're just going to treat the heck of out of it...," coach Kevin Ollie said. "He banged it pretty bad. Knowing him, he'll be out there."
If Boatright is unable to play, sophomore Terrence Samuel will play a bigger role in the rotation.
Freshman Daniel Hamilton also missed practice today. He's home in Los Angeles for his grandmother's funeral. He's scheduled to take a red-eye flight tonight back to Connecticut. He should be available tomorrow.
Sophomore Kentan Facey (concussion), who sat out all four AAC tournament games, has been cleared to play.
"Hopefully, he can participate tomorrow," Ollie said. "We've just make sure we still watch his symptoms. We'll re-evaluate that after today's practice."
Ollie is never one to make any excuses. When it comes to injuries, his philosophy is always next-man up.
"I've got to show up and coach the team who I've got," Ollie said. "It's not difficult."
Editor's note: This blog has been edited to correctly state that Ryan Boatright did not practice Tuesday.
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