Hardaway: Nolley expected to play vs. Auburn
Landers Nolley II is expected to play Saturday, when Memphis takes on Auburn in Atlanta, coach Penny Hardaway said Thursday.
The Tigers’ leading scorer (15.0 points per game) left Tuesday’s game with a right wrist injury after he was on the receiving end of a hard foul that sent him crashing to the floor. Nolley returned from the locker room a few minutes later and re-entered the game but was removed for good late in the first half.
“He said he braced his fall with his hand and the back of his head hit the floor,” Hardaway said after Tuesday’s win over Mississippi Valley State. “His wrist is sore. Hopefully it’s just soreness and nothing else.”
Hardaway said Nolley did not practice Thursday.
“It looks pretty good,” Hardaway said. “A little soreness. But that’s a great sign after how he fell on his wrist. When I watched the replay, he slammed his hand pretty hard on the ground. Then, he hit his back as well and his head. But he looks pretty good for Saturday’s game.”
Memphis sophomore D.J. Jeffries said Nolley makes those around him better players.
“Just his presence on the court, we need him,” said Jeffries. “He’s another playmaker. He helps me and (Lester Quinones) out, and we help him out. So, when he went out, it was a big loss for us. I’m glad we’ve got him Saturday, because we’re going to need him.”
Another Tiger who has been banged up recently is guard Damion Baugh, who missed the game against Mississippi Valley State with a bad back.
“Damion practiced (Thursday), so he’s in,” Hardaway said.
Memphis (4-2) and Auburn (2-2) are scheduled to tip-off at 4 p.m. Saturday at State Farm Arena.
The game will air on SEC Network Alternate.