Thompson & Graves a game time decision

Deon Thompson (GoogleSearch)

This year, when it comes to the Men’s Basketball team, it has been all about “it is what it is” and the fact that there has been way too many injuries for one season. From what I read on ACC Now eight different Tar Heels have missed games for head coach Roy Williams. Going into tonight’s game against arc rival Duke that number might go up as Deon Thompson is having issues with his back and Will Graves is dealing with the sprained ankle (Graves has already missed games this season). Coach Williams says that both of his players are going to be game time decision, but for the senior that decision has already been made, even though he didn’t practice yesterday.

Thompson has never missed a game, including three victories at Cameron Indoor Stadium, and he does not plan to miss the last one against the Blue Devils, as he told the media “I’ll play tomorrow”. If the power forward does get to see the hardwoods in Durham it will be his 146th game donning the Carolina Blue, surpassing the record set by Danny Green just a season ago. I will have the preview of this game later this morning, but I have to say that without the presence of Thompson in the paint and Graves hitting some shots from beyond the arc, this might be a real long night for the Tar Heels. On the other hand a win at home against a Top 5 team (followed by a couple of wins in the conference post season tournament) could make a late season resume that might have the tournament committee at least having to look at it. As I do with all the Tar Heels, I am hoping for a speedy recovery for both of these young men.

Here is the presser video of head coach Roy Williams from WRAL where he also talks about the injuries…

EDIT: I found this tweet by Inside Carolina as I was doing my last go around of the night on TweetDeck which said: “Thompson (back) and Graves (ankle) both limited in practice today. Roy Williams hopes they will be able to play at Duke.”

I would have to say that the head coach isn’t the only one that is hoping that the two play tonight. Only time will tell, but you have to say that like all good rivalries, having a side story makes it all that much better.

Shortlink: