UConn guard Silas Demary nears full fitness for Illinois Final Four clash
UConn point guard Silas Demary Jr is expected to be at 90 percent fitness for Saturday’s NCAA tournament Final Four matchup against Illinois in Indianapolis following a high ankle sprain.
The sophomore floor general sustained the injury during the Big East title game against St. John’s on 14 March and was forced to miss the opening tournament round.
However, head coach Danny Hurley believes his playmaker is vastly improved after playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks.
Progressing through the pain
“This guy played at probably 65% the first weekend versus UCLA,” Hurley said.
“He probably got to 75% in the Sweet 16/Elite Eight game, and I think he’s much better this week.”
“I think he’s got a chance to play at like 90% physically for the Illinois game, which we’re going to need all of that.”
The recuperating star continues to wear a protective boot after games and has not been cleared for full-contact practice sessions.
A resilient family trait
Despite the severe lack of preparation time, the resilient guard insists he is growing increasingly comfortable on the court.
“I think once I start getting up and down, I start to feel more comfortable,” Demary noted.
Hurley complimented his gritty background, noting the player inherited a tough mentality from his father who played collegiate football at Virginia State.
That toughness was evident during Sunday’s comeback victory over Duke, where he secured a crucial late steal and sank consecutive three-pointers.
Chasing rings, not watches
The second-seeded Huskies enter the weekend as underdogs against third-seeded Illinois.
Either Michigan or Arizona will await the victor in Monday’s ultimate national championship game.
Hurley fully embraces this underdog mentality as his historic programme chases a remarkable third national title in four years.
“We came here for rings, not watches,” Hurley stated.
“Everyone that comes to the Final Four gets a beautiful watch, but only one group is going to get a ring.”