Tennessee center Uros Plavsic is set to return to the court for the Battle 4 Atlantis starting on Wednesday after missing the last game against Florida Gulf Coast, as announced by head coach Rick Barnes on Tuesday.
Plavsic turned his ankle during the first half of Tennessee’s Nov. 13 game against Colorado in Nashville. The 7-foot-1 center would spend the rest of that game in a boot on the sidelines.
“He turned his ankle,” Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said after the FGCU game. “Actually (athletic trainer) Chad (Newman) told me yesterday he thought it would be a two-week deal, but he doesn’t think that now because he’s really responded well. He feels like most of the swelling is gone. He’s walking. He told me today, I saw him prior to the game today, and he said coach I feel like I’m walking normal. I think he’ll be ready to play next week.”
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In Tennessee’s season opener against Tennessee Tech on Nov. 7, Plavsic was productive in the middle of the court for the Vols despite just tallying two points and two rebounds. Plavsic also showed a much-improved side to his game against Gonzaga in a preseason exhibition game that Tennessee won 99-80.
In addition to the size he gives Tennessee in the paint, Plavsic also gives the Vols a fiery on-court personality that is needed in today’s game.
Even with Tennessee’s likely cautious handling of Plavsic’s return to the court, the big man’s ankle will be put to the test. Starting on Wednesday, Tennessee will embark on a three-day tournament in the Battle 4 Atlantis in The Bahamas. The Vols will start the tournament against the Butler Bulldogs on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET.
If Tennessee defeats Butler, the Vols will play at 1:30 p.m. ET on Thanksgiving (Thursday). If Tennessee falls to Butler, the Vols will square off in the evening Thanksgiving game at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Check out Rocky Top Insider’s full Battle 4 Atlantis preview here.
