‘There’s a chance’ Devonaire Doutrive plays vs. San Jose State on Thursday

Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Miller says Dylan Smith has done a “good job” at the 2

Sean Miller said Tuesday that there “is a chance” Devonaire Doutrive returns from his suspension Thursday when the Arizona Wildcats host San Jose State.

“I’m not going to commit to that right now, but I think that there’s a chance that he could,” Miller said. “There’s also a chance that we can be in the same place as we approach game day, so we’ll know a little more over the next couple days.”

Doutrive was held out of the first two games after violating an undisclosed team rule. The 6-foot-5 sophomore has been one of the team’s best players in practice, and could eventually replace fellow two-guard Dylan Smith in the starting lineup.

Smith is averaging 8.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while shooting 46 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3, but struggled a bit against Illinois, posting six points on 2-of-6 shooting, missing both of his 3-point attempts.

The fifth-year senior did have five rebounds and two assists, but also three turnovers.

“Dylan’s done a good job, that’s why he’s starting,” Miller said. “He earned that. We really count on him a lot to be tough-minded, in the right position defensively. He’s one of our tone-setters on defense because he’s been in the most practices, he kind of knows how to do it. And on offense in game one, I thought he was really efficient. He had a couple of turnovers in the second game, but for the most part he’s doing a good job.

“Last year was the only year that he hasn’t been in the tournament. He was in the tournament at (UNC) Asheville before he came here and I think he takes a lot of pride in being on good team. And a lot of the guys that were here a year ago, they had a chance to experience that other side. And it’s not as fun when you don’t win, so I think he’s in his final year here at Arizona and at top of his priority list is to be a winning player, to be on a team that can have a really good season.”

from Arizona Desert Swarm - All Posts https://ift.tt/33HgLWd
via IFTTT