UCLA Basketball Head Coach Steve Alford gave an update on the status of two injured Bruins, one of which could return this week.
Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reported this morning that the UCLA Basketball team could be getting one of their two injured players back this or next week, while another might not make it until the end of December.
The college basketball analyst tweeted out that Head Coach Steve Alford stated that freshman center Ike Anigbogu could be back as early as this week.
Anigbogu had torn his meniscus just before the season and has not played in UCLA’s first four games. He did participate in the Bruin’s three-games in Australia over the summer.
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The Bruins had a decent defensive outing against Long Beach State on Sunday night, but for the most part, especially in their first three games, they have allowed teams to easily score from the outside or drive the lane for uncontested layups. Anogbogu will be a key factor in limiting that, especially underneath the rim.
The Centennial High School product has some offensive firepower, but Bruin fans will be happy with the defensive production he brings as he is a shot-changer and a shot-blocker.
There is a downside to this news as shooting guard Prince Ali, who also tore his meniscus (back in July), was thought to return by late November. According to Alford, Ali might not be back on the court until the end of December.
UCLA's Ike Anigbogu (knee) could return either this week or next week, per Steve Alford.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 21, 2016
UCLA's Prince Ali (knee) is probably out until mid or late December, per Steve Alford.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 21, 2016
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UCLA has done a good job with a seven-man rotation, but the addition of both Anigbogu and Ali will give the Bruins depth which they will need heading into Pac-12 play at the end of the calendar year.