The Illini have a big game tomorrow against Arizona. Not only are they playing a ranked team, but they're doing so at the United Center in front of a national television audience on ESPN.For those who tune into the game, and are familiar with the Illini, you may not recognize a few players on the court. That's because backup center Brian Carlwell injured his knee in practice this week,(No truth to the rumor that Jamar Smith got drunk and drove into it.) and is going to be out for three to five weeks.
Which wouldn't be a big deal, except for the fact Illinois' starting center, Shaun Pruitt, may have to miss Saturday's game as well.
[Bruce] Weber is preparing to face No. 22 Arizona on Saturday at the United Center without starting center Shaun Pruitt, who sprained an ankle in practice Sunday. Even if the senior from Aurora can play, it's unlikely to be his usual 30-plus minutes.If Pruitt can't go on Saturday, freshman Mike Tisdale will be making the first start of his young college career. Tisdale is a 7'1 center who's averaged 3.7 points per game this season while playing eleven minutes a game. Obviously, he's going to need to perform far above that if the Illini are to have a shot at beating Arizona.
"It may end up being a game-time decision depending on how much progress he makes over the next two days," Weber said Thursday.
"He has lost a little mobility. [One day this week] he was in treatment three times. I don't think he'll be perfect for another week, but at least he can be involved minute-wise."
