HAD the University of Hawaii been unbeaten entering tonight's game with Texas Southern, you might understand head basketball coach Riley Wallace's desire to have shooting guard Alika Smith back on the court at all costs. Smith shouldn’t step
a toe on the court this weekThe Rainbows made an early run for a national ranking and every victory was a necessity if they hoped to crack the top 25 before Christmas.
But all that's behind them now. Hawaii's loss to Arkansas State on Sunday will likely keep them from reaching that goal, no matter what the Rainbows do this weekend.
With that in mind, Wallace should think twice about putting his talented senior guard back in the lineup before his sprained right toe is ready.
Smith returned to practice yesterday and has been cleared to play, but is he 100 percent? No. Does he run the risk of aggravating the injury that occurred in the second half of Saturday's win over Long Island University? Yes. And as Hamlet would say, "There's the rub."
These two Hawaii-Nike Festival games are insignificant when looking at the big picture. The worst the Rainbows can do with Smith sidelined is go 1-1. If they can't beat winless Texas Southern tonight without him, they have more problems than just a sprained right toe.
AND even if Hawaii advances to tomorrow's final against the winner of the Santa Clara-Houston game, Smith at half-speed might be more detrimental than helpful.
Sit him, Riley. Right next to you. Let the black-and-blue toe take the weekend off in preparation for the Rainbow Classic that's still a week away.
The best chance you have of gaining mainland recognition is with a good showing in the nationally televised event. If Hawaii and Kansas reach the final, and you upset the No. 2-ranked Jayhawks, then what your team does this weekend will be meaningless.
And let's face it, the only way you have any shot at Kansas is with a healthy Smith roaming the floor. If he plays this weekend and stubs his toe again, then it becomes a chronic injury.
Just ask UH running back Anthony Diieso. He suffered a turf toe injury in the first game of the season. He tried to come back several times, only to injure it again. He wound up missing all or part of four games before his throbbing toe finally healed.
Now, imagine if Smith missed a month with what UH trainer Jayson Goo said was the same injury as Diieso's. It would be far more damaging than losing one game this weekend.
Goo also said Smith wouldn't be 100 percent for the Rainbow Classic, even if he didn't clock a minute of playing time in the next two games.
SO it doesn't seem to be worth the risk of having Smith hobbled throughout the year just to have him available for two games nobody will remember come March.
Look at wide receiver Jerry Rice. The San Francisco 49ers played him against the Denver Broncos on Monday night, and see what happened. He's lost for the playoffs. All because he came back too soon.
It's just not worth it, especially when the NCAA selection committee takes into account how you finish rather than how you start. A healthy Smith in March is much more important to Hawaii than bringing him back to face Texas Southern tonight.
Give Smith credit. He wants to play. The leading scorer for the Rainbows has done everything asked of him, but his toe says no. It still hurts to walk. Imagine what it will feel like once Smith starts running up and down the floor.
No, this is one time being macho makes no sense. Hawaii already is risking a lot having Anthony Carter play with a subluxed shoulder that could pop out at any moment.
Putting Smith at risk as well seems like a good way to end a season before it really starts.
Paul Arnett has been covering sports
for the Star-Bulletin since 1990.
Text Site Directory:
[News] [Business] [Features] [Sports] [Editorial] [Do It Electric!]
[Info] [Letter to Editor] [Stylebook] [Feedback]
© 1997 Honolulu Star-Bulletin
http://starbulletin.com