ESPN's Erin Andrews just reported on the air that Illinois point guard Chester Frazier suffered what is being called a bruised hand in practice Wednesday. She said it is "highly doubtful" that he will play at all this weekend, but the team hopes he can play next week in the Big Dance. Andrews also mentioned that Frazier didn't want many details released, which makes be believe this is worse than being reported. How would a bruised hand not be cleared up in a week, and why would it be a secret?
Frazier generally checks the best offensive player on the opposition, and was recently named to the Big Ten all-defensive team. He was also on the honorable mention list of the All Big Ten team, as voted on by the media. The Illini will scramble to cover his defensive prowess tonight against Manny Harris and the Michigan Wolverines.
Andrews reported Calvin Brock, Jeff Jordan, and Alex Legion will all attempt to fill Frazier's shoes. The real chore, now, for Bruce Weber's team will be to not over-compensate defensively on Harris, because that would likely free up DeShawn Sims -- who went nuts Thursday against Iowa. All told, this is great news for the Wolverines and a real tough break for Illinois.
