Mustangs to Open Pre-Season Camp Injured
Oct 10 | Men's Basketball
The SMU men's basketball team, a pre-season top-40 pick by most college basketball magazines, will open its first practice this Saturday with several key injuries - but get a boost from the return of sophomore C Nigel Smith.
The Mustangs will be short three scholarship players (senior G Renaldo Bratton, junior P Mike Niemi and freshman G Voc Atkins) when full-team workouts commence with two Saturday sessions - 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Bratton, who has a herniated disk in his back, will miss the remainder of the semester for rehabilitation and will be re-evaluated by doctors Nov. 1. The Simsboro, La., native could possibly be out the entire 2000-01 season if the condition does not improve and surgery is required.
X-rays taken for a possible stress fracture in Niemi's back proved negative but the Katy, Texas, product is still expected to miss three-to-four weeks before returning to full contact drills. He will be re-evaluated Oct. 23.
Atkins, who is expected to challenge for Stephen Wood's vacated point-guard position, must wait another two-to-four weeks to make his debut as he continues to rehab after having torn cartilage in his knee repaired.
The good news for the Mustangs is that sophomore G Quinton Ross will not miss the start of practice. The Dallas Kimball product, who added 10 pounds in the off season, was also feared to have a bulging disk in his back but was cleared by doctors for full workouts Monday.
Joining Ross in the lineup is the 6-10 Smith - who is attempting to complete his return to the hardwood after missing the 1999-2000 season with complications from surgery to remove polyps from his sinuses.
SMU, who posted a 21-9 record last season, will play its first regular-season game Nov. 25 at Lamar after hosting two exhibition games Nov. 11 at 9:00 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
