2022 NCAA Tournment: Key Injuries To Monitor For March Madness
As we’re getting ready for the tournament we are looking at some teams that will be missing key players for the possibility of the first round. Some of them will probably might it through the first weekend if these aren’t on the floor, but also some that might see early-round exit without that important contribution.
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Arizona Guard Kerr Kriisa (Ankle)
Kriisa suffered an ankle injury during the opening round of the PAC-12 tournament that has kept him out ever since. Early on, it looked bleak he would be ready for the opening round after we’ve been seeing him in crutches and a boot. That all changed on Tuesday when he came into his media session walking fine, in fact, he had a little stroll in his step. He admitted that he thought he might be done for the season at that moment of the injury, but now we could see him in the first round.
Baylor Guard LJ Cryer (foot)
Cryer has missed the last 11 games as he recovers from a foot injury he suffered against Texas Tech, and it’s confirmed the Bears’ leading scorer (13.5 PPG) will miss the first weekend. They would love to have him to start this tournament, but they have other scoring options in James Akinjo and Adam Flagler, who are both a shade behind Cryer averaging 13.4 points per game.
Kansas Forward David McCormack (foot, knee)
McCormick has been on a minute restriction as he deals with foot and knee discomfort. He participated in shootarounds, and when asked if he’ll continue to be on the restrictions, he just said he’ll be ready to play when he needs to be. While McCormick recovers, it’s given senior Mitch Lightfoot an increased amount of playing time, but now his up in the air due to a knee sprain he suffered in the Big 12 Championship. He also participated in shootarounds and is considered day-to-day.
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Illinois Guard Jacob Grandison (shoulder)
Grandison has missed the last two games of the season with a left shoulder injury. The Big Ten regular-season champs were one and done in the tournament as they shot just 36.5% in a loss to Indiana. Not having his impactful shooting from three (41.5%) puts them on upset watch against Chattanooga, as they’re 25th in three-point defense (30%).
Ohio State Forward Zed Key (ankle) & Guard Kyle Young (concussion)
Young’s suffered the third concussion of his career on March 1st, and he has not seen the court since. This could be the second straight year he doesn’t play in March for Ohio State as he also suffered a concussion last year that kept him out of the Big Ten tournament and the one game Buckeyes played in the NCAA tournament. Key sustained an ankle injury on February 27th and would miss the next two games. Although he would attempt to play in the regular-season finale, he would play just seven minutes. Not having two starters against Loyola Chicago, who’s made a magical run in the tournament before, could have Ohio State in trouble early on.
Houston Guard Mark Sasser (foot)
Sasser has been out since February 27th with a foot injury, and although Jamal Shead has played in his absence, the Cougars would love their leading scorer for this tournament. A couple of weeks ago, head coach Kelvin Sampson said there was “zero chance” Sasser would play again this season, but we might have to cue the Lloyd Christmas quote from Dumb and Dumber. Sasser has been out of the boot and shooting on his own, and reports are if Houston makes it further into the tournament, he may try to return.
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