Frazier: 'Strong possibility' he can play with injury
CHAMPAIGN -- Can Chester Frazier really play for Illinois against Western Kentucky, eight days after suffering a serious hand injury that required surgery?
Yes, he can, the senior guard insisted Sunday.
''It just depends on how much pain I'm able to take,'' Frazier said Sunday. ''There's a very strong possibility I'll be good to go.''
Frazier declined to say if his right hand was broken in the practice incident, in which he banged the hand against Dominique Keller's knee while battling for a rebound.
''I'd prefer not to discuss that,'' Frazier said. ''As a patient, that's my right. Just say it's an injured hand, and I'll be ready to play.''
It's hard to imagine how Frazier, who's expected to wear a protective glove or brace, would be able to shoot. But considering that he's known for his defense, his passing and his reluctance to shoot, that's not a major issue.
''If he can just pass and dribble,'' Frazier could help, coach Bruce Weber said. ''I don't think he cares about the shooting that much. We could have used him against Purdue. He's a stabilizing force. He runs our offense. He gets defensive stops.''
Even if he gives Illinois a few defensive stints, his presence would provide an emotional lift. It's difficult to imagine him doing more than that.
Herb Gould