2 min read • March 19, 2024
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For team health scores on the top 36 teams in the tournament, check out our comprehensive article here.
The Boiler Makers’ primary ball handler is dealing with a right knee injury he suffered in the Big Ten quarterfinals. He has also been playing through a minor left calf issue but the knee is the bigger concern. Unfortunately, this injury will linger for Smith and make it difficult to defend and beat defenders off the dribble.
He did not play like his typical self in the Big Ten tournament loss to the Wisconsin Badgers, fouling out for the first time all season with 7 points on 3-10 shooting from the field.
If the Boiler Makers can make a deep run, his knee health should improve but he will be hampered for at least the first two rounds.
Senior guard Tyler Kolek missed the Big East conference tournament with an oblique injury he suffered on Feb. 28, but will reportedly be available for the NCAA tournament. Our panel of doctors have optimism he can be effective since he has had three weeks to heal.
The main factor to his effectiveness will be rust and he should have full ability to shoot and defend as usual. In 28 games this season, Kolek averaged 15 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.6 assists on 48.6% shooting from the field and 40% shooting from 3-point range.
Baylor’s sophomore guard Langston Love has been a key scorer off the bench this season, but he enters the tournament with an ankle injury that has sapped his effectiveness lately.
Love suffered the ankle sprain on Feb. 6 and was out of action until Feb. 20. He played just 14 minutes on the ankle in the 78-71 loss to BYU on Feb. 20, then was out of commission until March 9 against Texas Tech.
He missed both of Baylor’s Big 12 conference tournament games and is set to be re-evaluated before the team’s matchup on Friday against #14 Colgate.
Our panel of docs do not expect him to be effective if he suits up, forcing the Bears to rely more heavily on their starters or look to another scoring option off the bench.
Love averaged 11 points per game during the regular season, but has not surpassed that total since Jan. 31 against UCF.
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