Spearman progressing toward a return
ANAHEIM, Calif. – The day before a conference tournament starts, everyone has hope.
The Hawai’i basketball team and junior guard Brandon Spearman are no exception. The Warriors will open play in the Big West Conference Tournament on Thursday evening against UC Irvine in a quarterfinal game at the Honda Center.
Spearman has missed the last three games with an ankle injury, but he traveled with the team to Anaheim, Calif., and is still hopeful of making a return to action this week.
“It’s feeling good,” the 6-foot-3 guard said. “I came a long way, been rehabbing a lot … it’s starting to come around.”
Spearman is averaging 9.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game and is considered a key to Hawaii’s defensive schemes.
During a Wednesday evening practice at Cal State Fullerton, Spearman was able to dribble up and down the court and shoot jump shots – things he was not able to do just a few days ago.
Spearman went so far as to say that he will be “a game-time decision” for Thursday’s quarterfinal against UC Irvine.
Head coach Gib Arnold, however, was not quite as optimistic. He noted that Spearman has not practiced with the team for nearly a month.
“It’s all up and down right now, he’s not able to cut yet, so I don’t expect him to be cleared,” Arnold said.
GAME INFORMATION: #5 Hawai’i (17-13, 10-8 Big West) vs. #4 UC Irvine (18-14, 11-7 Big West)
When: Thursday, March 14, 5:30 p.m. (Hawai’i time)
Where: The Honda Center (18,336) – Anaheim, Calif.
Television: Fox Prime Ticket.
Streaming Video: Live video streaming is available on BigWest.tv.
Radio: ESPN 1420 AM will carry the game. Neighbor islands can listen live on KNUI on Maui, KHLO in Hilo, KKON in Kona, and KTOH on Kaua’i.
Audio Webcast: Live audio streaming on espn1420am.com
Live Stats: Live in-game stats are available at HawaiiAthletics.com
Ticket Information: Single-session tickets range from $27-$34 for reserved seating. All session tickets (men and women included) are available for $144. Big West students can purchase a ticket to any Honda Center session for $10 with a valid student I.D.
Brandon “B” Spearman of Simeon High, Chicago Illinois, keep getting better, let that ankle heal, When you are cleared to go all out, welcome back ! You are young strong guy, appreciate your work ethic. Hey cheer guys on, and help coach the guards to victory. Hope to see you back in uniform soon.
Nice to see you getting up some shots “B”. Cool, dude!
Brandon, I looked at video again, you look better than some of the starting guards, wow, what a recovery, just get that ankle healed well, so no further damage, which would set you back. If team makes it to championship game, maybe you come in and hit the winnig shot. If you cannot play this year, you will have a very athletic team for next year, and you guys will tear it up in the BWC for sure.
Take care Brandon, I am just amazed at what young 21-22 yr olds can do, the recuperative powers.! Wow!
Keep healing and wish you well. Hey, instruct Jawato, to play solid D, dive for every loose Ball, make good entry passes, shoot 78% from FT line, and drive fearless to the rim and run, tell Jawato, to get out on transition fast. He be the other “B” Jawato out of Cali. Cheer the guys on Brandon S. your team will be ready and will win a tough game!
Thanks Valerie for all the support that you give the team and making these videos and updates available.
Make us all proud Warriors – go get ’em
Say Brandon, take another week to heal and get ready for first round of the NCAAs. Gotta think positive, right? And, yes, thank you to Valerie and the Schmidt ohana for sending our intrepid reporter to Disneyland, I mean, the Honda Center. Looking forward to your reports, Dayton. Hopefully, you’ll be working right through Saturday … and beyond.
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