Rutgers could get 6-10 freshman Kadeem Jack back from a foot injury for the start of the Big East season, a team source told SNY.tv.
“He’s coming along quite nicely and the start of the Big East season is not out of the question,” the source told SNY.tv.
Rutgers opens Big East play Jan. 1 at South Florida.
Jack broke a bone in his right foot during a preseason workout Oct. 7 and was projected to be out 3-4 months.
He met with doctors Monday and the outlook was encouraging.
“He has been cleared to do basketball-related activity,” the source said. “It’s just day-to-day depending on how his foot feels.”
The Scarlet Knights could use the athletic, yet inexperienced Jack in a depleted frontcourt that relies heavily on sophomores Austin Johnson and Gilvydas Biruta.
Malick Kone (knee surgery) needs another fluid shot in his knee to help him manage discomfort but he is also close to returning, the source said. He has been shooting jump shots and handling the ball.
Finally, although head coach Mike Rice said after Saturday’s 67-58 win over Stony Brook at MSG that freshman guard Myles Mack would come off the bench again Thursday against NJIT, the source said that no final decision had been made as to whether he will start.
The former St. Anthony and Paterson Catholic star poured in a game- and season-high 22 points coming off the bench against Stony Brook.
