Wednesday night, the Texas Tech basketball team will put its four-game winning streak on the line when the TCU Horned Frogs visit United Supermarkets Arena. One huge question for the Red Raiders is the availability of forward Darrion Williams.
Tuesday, Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland met with the media and gave an update on how Williams is progressing after he turned an ankle in Sunday's 64-54 win over Oklahoma State in Lubbock.
"Yeah. I mean, honestly, we're taking it slower," he said, "just because we want to make sure we get him for the long run. So honestly, I do think it's a game-time decision in regard to whether he'll play or not, but I will tell you that the rehab is gone in a positive direction, and we don't feel like it's a significant one. We do feel like that he's a game-to-game situation. But as far as Wednesday, I do think it'll be a game-time decision."
Of course, Williams is a critical cog for the Red Raiders. This year, he's averaging 14.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Those numbers rank third, second, and second on the team respectively making Williams arguably Tech's best all-around player.
However, Williams has had bad luck of late having turned both of his ankles in the past four games. As a result, he's not been himself in recent weeks.
Against Kansas State on January 14 was when he initially rolled his ankle the first time. That night, he finished the game with 16 points and four rebounds in a Tech win.
Since then, though, he's scored only six points against Arizona, four points against Cincinnati, and nine points against Oklahoma State. He's also played no more than 27 minutes in any of the last three games.
Fortunately, the Red Raiders have managed to keep winning while Williams has worked through his ankle issues. However, everyone in scarlet and black would feel better if Williams is able to play against the Horned Frogs. That's because the Red Raiders need all hands on deck if they want to keep pace in the Big 12 race.