Sophomore guard Pelle Larsson began participating in full practice drills this week, putting him on track to return in time for Arizonaβs Nov. 9 regular-season opener with NAU.
UA coach Tommy Lloyd said he didn't expect Larsson to play in the Wildcatsβ exhibition game on Monday against Eastern New Mexico. But by returning against NAU, Larsson could wind up playing a full college season after breaking his foot while training with the Swedish national team in early August.
βIf he had to (play Monday) he could but I donβt think thatβs the plan,β Lloyd said. βHeβs done live drills with us. Heβs run up and down the floor as weβve scrimmaged. So heβs playing basketball.β
The general timetable for returning from a foot injury such as Larssonβs is 8-12 weeks. UA has not specified how much time he was expected to miss, but Lloyd said he's always planned to have Larsson back for the season opener.
βI haven't wanted to count on anything and I wanted to focus on the guys on the court,β Lloyd said. βBut weβve also made sure we've assimilated him in enough stuff that he's going to be able to pick things up quicklyβ when he returns.
Larsson started 18 of 25 games as a freshman for Utah last season, averaging 8.2 points and 3.2 rebounds, and then entered the transfer portal in April after Utes coach Larry Krystkowiak was fired.
At Arizona, Larsson is expected to start at shooting guard or at least play a key reserve combo guard role. The Wildcats have four returning starters from their final game last season -- β guard Kerr Kriisa, forward Bennedict Mathurin, forward Azuolas Tubelis and center Christian Koloko β while Larsson could become a starter at shooting guard, or at least play a major reserve role at both guard spots.
Guard Justin Kier, wing Dalen Terry and forward Kim Aiken are also battling for spots in the starting lineup.
