The Oregon Ducks got off to a strong start this season with freshman point guard Dominic Artis running the show. Then he suffered a foot injury, which has kept him out for the past month.
Dominic Artis injury: Oregon point guard reportedly close to returning
The Ducks, once ranked as high as No. 10 in the polls, have hit the skids since losing their freshman point guard a month ago.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oregon immediately felt the effects of losing its floor general, going 5-4 in its next nine conference games. Fortunately for head coach Dana Altman, Artis could return against Oregon State on Thursday night.
More: Check out Addicted to Quack for more on Artis’ injury situation.
According to a report from CSNNW, Artis was a limited participant in practice for the second straight day on Tuesday. He is not expected to start against the Beavers, but he will be given a chance to prove he’s back to his normal form.
“It’s kind of like limiting a pitch count in baseball. If it’s hurting him we will take him out,” Altman said. “We could have put him in a few weeks ago but it wasn’t worth it. He’s a player to build around.”
Altman also stated the coaching staff will take every precaution with Artis, and that the team’s goal is to have him completely healthy for a potential March Madness run.
Johnathan Loyd, who has struggled a bit since taking over the starting point guard job in late January, is expected to start once again on Thursday night. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. ET in Eugene.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
