UVA basketball coach Tony Bennett said today that junior guard Justin Anderson has engaged in light basketball-related activities, and seemed to hint that Anderson could return as early as this week’s ACC Tournament.
“I want to see him last in practice. I’m not ruling out anything. I’ve seen stories on this where you can play in a week, or it’s a couple of weeks. It just depends on what he’s cleared to do,” Bennett told reporters at a media availability after practice on Monday.
Bennett answered a reporter who asked if Anderson had already returned to practice in the negative, saying the 6’6” guard had taken part in light drills, primarily shooting, but indicated that Anderson, a second-team All-ACC selection, seemed to be looking and feeling better.
Listen: Tony Bennett Press Conference
Anderson, the Cavs’ second-leading scorer, at 13.4 points per game, and the leading three-point shooter in the ACC (48.4 percent), has been out of action since breaking a finger on his left (shooting) hand in Virginia’s 52-47 win over Louisville on Feb. 7.
He seemed to be set for a return for Saturday’s regular-season finale at Louisville, but underwent an appendectomy on Thursday that forced him out for that return matchup.
The program reported in a media release after the surgery that Anderson’s status would be re-evaluated this week.
Bennett said Monday that Anderson is due for a doctor visit on Tuesday. Pending the results of that visit, Anderson could get the go-ahead to return to full-team practice sessions.
UVA went 8-1 in Anderson’s absence, finishing out the win over Louisville on Feb. 7 and winning seven straight with Evan Nolte replacing Anderson in the starting lineup. That streak was snapped Saturday with a 59-57 loss at Louisville in a game that came down to a go-ahead jumper by Cardinals’ reserve Mangok Mathiang with 2.7 seconds to play.
Answering another reporter question, Bennett detailed what Anderson means to the ‘Hoos.
“The perimeter shooting – he was really shooting the ball at a high clip. We’ve kind of had to struggle at times with that,” Bennett said. “But he brings a level of … he’s just got that x factor. He gets the crowd going, makes a big play, whether it’s a huge block or a big three that he’s done for us. Or just comes up with that hustle play that just seems to ignite the team. He has that ability. So I think we miss that a little bit.
“The guys who have stepped in and filled in have done a great job. I think Evan (Nolte) has not gotten enough credit for how steady he’s been. But Justin, as you guys have watched over the years, has that ability to move the crowd, move the team, and bring that intensity and that passion that he’s hardwired with.”
– Story by Chris Graham
Share
Chris Graham
