Next game
Who: Sam Houston State (8-3) at Wright State (8-4)
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Radio: WONE-AM (980), WIZE-AM (1340)
FAIRBORN — After three days off, the Wright State men’s basketball team went through a lively practice Saturday, Dec. 26.
Oft-injured John David Gardner was right in the middle of it, his longest practice of the season.
“We’ll see,” Gardner said, smiling. “I feel pretty good. It doesn’t feel great, but it feels better than it did last year when I was playing.”
Last season, when he was playing — a severe hip injury developing — meant 19 games with an 8.7 scoring average and 65 assists, second best on the team.
Parsing his numbers further, take away his first five games — when he was returning from foot and head injuries that kept him out of more than half the games the season before — and his last three games, when his hip bothered him so much he could hardly play at all, Gardner was a virtual all-star. He averaged more than 14 points, which would have easily led the team.
Monday, for the first time this season, Gardner is expected to play again, as the Raiders host Sam Houston State. An off-season surgery was supposed to correct Garnder’s hip, but the surgeon had to go in again, delaying his return.
Wright State has already played 12 games, winning eight.
Being out that long is tough for most, but WSU coach Brad Brownell says it will be easier for Gardner.
“It’s not a huge factor with him.” Brownell said. “He has a better understanding than most of our guys with what we’re trying to do. He’s able to adjust, and we don’t have to adjust too much to adjust to him.
“He’ll be in the right spot defensively and he’ll know what to do. He won’t make mistakes younger players do.”
Best of all, Gardner will be able to play, even though he’s not sure how much.
“I’m just taking it day by day,” Gardner said. “I’m excited. I’m excited about not being in khaki pants and a shirt and tie.”
If Gardner feels fine at practice today, he’ll dress for Monday’s game.
“We’re praying and hoping it happens because he deserves it,” Brownell said. “I’m glad to have him back as soon as we can get him back.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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