RODLEY, Providence – Aaron Scott deals with ligaments torn with his right thumb, which requires surgery, but does not affect the availability of the NCAA Tournament.
“I don't feel that,” Scott said the night before against No. 15 Omaha, the second-seeded St. John's West Regional Opener. “To be honest, I sometimes forget that it's actually hurt. I'm probably going to ask for something I shouldn't. That's the best way to keep doing it, forget about it.”
Scott suffered an injury in the semi-finals of the Big East Tournament with Marquette and was able to play 39 minutes the following night.
“The trainers are wrapped in a certain way, so I'm grateful to them. [that] It stays in place,” he said.
One of St. John's best defenders and top 3-point shooters, 6-foot-7 Scott was one of the team's best heroes.
He had a strong Big East tournament averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 steel.
“He's actually shooting better with a torn thumb,” coach Rick Pitino jokingly said. “I wish he had ripped it apart a long time ago.”
Pitino said he expects six to seven players from this year's team to return.
Star Forward Zuby Ejiofor Top scorer RJ Luis Jr. is expected to test the waters of the NBA Draft and leave the possibility of returning open.
Senior guard Davon Smith said his right shoulder felt better and he was able to practice all week.
He hurt it again in the Big East Tournament Championship game against Clayton last Saturday and had to come out in the second half.
Arkansas Coach John Calipari Star forward Adutiero (hyperextended knee) was eliminated for Thursday's opening round game against seventh seed Kansas.
The No. 10 Razorbacks have not had their main scorer and rebounder Thuso since February 22nd.
Calipari was surprised. The selection committee did not send the group's team to Lexington, Kentucky.
He thought he would be in the pod with St. John's and former Kentucky coach Pitino.
“When I saw that we weren't there, I said, 'Wow, someone must have gone to the bathroom or something to not leave us there,” he said with a smile. “But looking, this is very different for me. [we’re] Fighting to get into it, this reward. ”
