NCAA: UConn G Solo Ball on foot injury: 'Still going to play'

INDIANAPOLIS — UConn Guard Solo Ball Uncertain for National Championship Game Against Michigan

UConn head coach Dan Hurley said Monday that guard Solo Ball’s status is uncertain for the national championship game against Michigan. Ball, however, seemed confident he would play.

Ball missed practice Sunday and appeared in a walking boot during the press conference about 30 hours before the NCAA Tournament final tips off. He did not appear on the initial player availability report for the title game.

Hurley said he was unsure how Ball sustained the injury. UConn trainers reported that Ball was hurt early in the Huskies’ 71-62 victory over Illinois.

“I got through it with adrenaline, but it happened in the first half. I think my foot got caught with Tarris Reed on a screen and it kind of just happened,” Ball said Sunday. “But I’m feeling all right right now. Just leaving it up to the medical staff. I’m doing everything I can to prepare for tomorrow.”

Following teammate Silas Demary Jr.’s declaration that he would play through an ankle injury, Ball expressed the same determination.

“Just being in the national championship game, you’ve got to prepare the same way we’ve prepared all season,” Ball said. “The decision is in the hands of UConn’s trainers. Just a bump in the road, but I’m still going to play.”

Hurley noted that it was uncertain if Ball could get an MRI on Easter Sunday, though he was reassured that a hospital would be available.

“I think we’ll see how this turns out—it’s going to be tough to get an MRI on Easter, on a Sunday. I don’t know what the hospitals are like in Indiana. Hospitals stay open even on Easter, huh? OK,” Hurley said.

Ball scored 13 points and had two assists in 28 minutes during the win over Illinois. The 6-foot-4 guard is averaging 12.9 points and 3.1 rebounds across 38 games (all starts) this season for UConn, which will compete for its third national title in four years.

If Ball cannot play, freshman guard Braylon Mullins would likely take on a larger role, while Malachi Smith and Jayden Ross would see increased minutes.

Michigan star and Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg also did not appear on the initial injury report. Lendeborg missed much of Michigan’s Final Four win over Arizona after spraining his left MCL and ankle during the first half.

—Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media/Reuters