Ohio State star Jared Sullinger remains sidelined with back spasms and it is unclear when he will return.
“It’s the progression we’re trying to take in terms of step by step,” Ohio State coach Thad Matta told reporters. “As opposed to running the full marathon, we’re going to warm up with a 5K and then get to a 10K.”
Sullinger missed No.2 Ohio State’s loss Saturday at No. 13 Kansas, and he has yet to be cleared for Wednesday’s game against South Carolina-Upstate.
The Buckeyes next play at South Carolina Saturday.
“You know me, I’m a guy that likes to not play guys a lot,” Matta said. “I don’t know the answer. Hopefully I’ll know more (after Tuesday’s practice). Probably more of the tell-all (will be) in the morning, how he feels.”
Meantime, former Burlington (N.J.) Life Center swingman LaQuinton Ross joined the team Sunday after being academically cleared to play.
He practiced for the first time Monday, but his role will remain limited.
“Unfortunately, he just doesn’t have the foundation. It was really hard to even tell he was out there from that standpoint; it wasn’t like he made all these great plays, or anything like that,” Matta said. “The good thing for us is ‘Q’ does have a high basketball IQ, and he asks a lot of questions. But we’ve got something going on here and he has to find his niche, and find his way to the court.”
(The AP contributed)
