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    Thursday, April 25, 2024

    Giffey out for rest of season, Napier a game day decision

    UConn junior Niels Giffey’s season is over.

    The news is not a surprise.

    Giffey fractured his right index finger in Saturday’s loss at Cincinnati.

    Coach Kevin Ollie told me on Monday that he didn’t expect Giffey would return for the final two games.

    UConn made it official on Tuesday afternoon after arriving in Florida. The Huskies will play South Florida in Tampa at 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

    “We’re looking at what the doctor says, but I don’t see it with a fracture,” Ollie said Monday night. “It’s pretty tough, especially on his shooting hand.”

    Ollie made the comments while attending the Glastonbury-New London Class LL tournament game. He was watching his son, Jalen, who plays for Glastonbury, which lost 59-58.

    Giffey played a key role off the bench, averaging 4.9 points and 3.6 rebounds. He will not need surgery. It will take him about six to 10 weeks to heal, according to UConn.

    Ollie isn't optimistic about junior Shabazz Napier playing Wednesday. Napier will be a game day decision. He continues to receive treatment on his sore right foot. He also is still wearing a walking boot.

    Napier had his streak of playing in 102 consecutive games snapped when he sat out againstCincinnati. He didn’t practice Tuesday.

    “It is still sore to touch,” Ollie said of Napier’s foot. “We’ll see what he has coming up at nine o’clock (Wednesday) and see if he can go. (Team trainer) James (Doran) is doing a great job with his rehabilitation.”

     If Napier can’t play, R.J. Evans of Salem will make his second straight start.

     “R.J. is going to be a facilitator out there, a guy that can be our rock,” Ollie said, “and help with some of the ball handling responsibilities for Ryan (Boatright).”

    UConn closes out the season Saturday, hosting Providence in Storrs.

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