Shabazz Napier Practices, But His Status for Pitt is Still Uncertain

PITTSBURGH – Shabazz Napier practiced with his UConn teammates on Friday, and did make it through the workout.

But, according to UConn, it was a relatively light-contact practice and he still felt “some discomfort”  in  his injured left shoulder and was “somewhat limited” in what he could do.  Athletic trainer James Doran will continue to treat the shoulder Friday night and Saturday, and whether or not Napier will play against Pitt will be a “game time” decision.

It sounds (to me, at least) like Napier will give it a try. He has never missed a game at UConn and wants to keep that intact. However, is effectiveness was obviously compromised in the second half against Louisville, after he sustained the contusion. So he will have to be watched carefully. If he does not have the range of motion in that shoulder to play and shoot, he would have to come out.

Here is more on the UConn-Pitt game, on our main site and for the Saturday Courant, and here is our capsule look at the game.