Arizona guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright is continuing to undergo testing and observation today, so there's still no definitive timetable yet for his recovery.
UA trainer Justin Kokoskie confirmed that Jackson-Cartwright suffered a high ankle sprain in the Wildcats' win over Texas Southern on Wednesday, but said he wouldn't know more until PJC's swelling subsides over the next few days.
Typically, though, high ankle sprains can keep a basketball player out for at least a few weeks because the limited blood flow to the area means healing takes longer. They can also take up to several months depending on the severity.
That suggests that UA's best-case scenario is to have Jackson-Cartwright back for the start of Pac-12 play, since UA doesn't play between its home game with New Mexico on Dec. 20 and its conference opener at California on Dec. 30.
Jackson-Cartwright's injury may have initially appeared minor, but Kokoskie said that was likely because of the adrenaline he had in the game and the fact that he wasn't putting pressure on it right away.Β
While the UA basketball program has had its share of significant and season-ending injuries under Sean Miller, it hasn't had to deal with a high ankle sprain since Salim Stoudamire suffered one during his sophomore season of 2002-03.
Stoudamire hurt his ankle two weeks into October 2002 practices, then missed about a month of action -- the exhibition season and first two games of the regular season -- but wasn't fully himself until around New Year's that season.
Oregon State is dealing with injury adjustments of its own with Tres Tinkle having broken his wrist.
UCLA warmed up for what figures to be a fast-paced game with Kentucky on Saturday.
Those with access to Root Sports Northwest can get a look at Gonzaga against Mississippi Valley State at 7 p.m. Arizona time tonight.
