UA forward Mohamed Tangara had surgery on Friday to put a titanium plate in his skull after the redshirt sophomore suffered a frontal sinus fracture in Wednesday’s game against ASU.
UA head coach Lute Olson said he didn’t think Tangara’s injury was “”season ending”” and estimated the time of return to be about “”two weeks.””
Tangara was accidentally elbowed in the head by teammate Jordan Hill, but stayed in the game until the team’s training staff noticed a problem at halftime. Tangara was taken to University Medical Center to receive treatment but was back in McKale Center to watch practice on Thursday.
Tangara, who sat out his freshman season with a back injury and received a medical hardship waiver, will not have to wear a mask, Olson said.
“”That’s the biggest thing one would have to get used to,”” he said. “” The titanium they put in there is a lot stronger than your skull is.””
Tangara played a season-high five minutes and scored two points before getting hurt. He will join the team on the bench Saturday against No. 4 North Carolina.
“”He told (trainer) Justin (Kokoskie), ‘Just give me some medicine,'”” Olson said of Tangara’s demeanor at halftime. “” It’s a shame because he’s been so patient waiting to get in, and he really played well. I was worried because the first word that I had was a little scary compared to what the MRI showed.””
Williams back in starting lineup after suspension
Sophomore forward Marcus Williams, who was suspended against ASU for violating a team rule, will start against North Carolina, Olson said.
“”He took the suspension like a man and knew why,”” Olson said. “”There was never any question about it. He handled it in a very mature way.””
McClellan’s practice time limited
Junior guard Jawann McCellan was held out of practice Thursday and was limited in practice on Friday, but Olson said McClellan’s knee “”has responded very well”” from Wednesday’s game.
Brielmaier will be ‘a lot of help,’ Olson says
Junior forward Bret Brielmaier will play after missing the last seven games. Brielmaier may be counted on to help guard UNC forward Tyler Hansbrough.
“”He’ll give us an additional rotation opportunity inside,”” Olson said. “”With his strength and physical nature, he’ll be a lot of help to us inside on Hansbrough because of Hansbrough’s strength.””
