Tommy Lloyd says Arizona guard Kerr Kriisa a gametime decision ahead of Wright State game
Kerr Kriisa is a game time decision for Arizona’s first-round game against Wright State on Friday.
Head coach Tommy Lloyd told reporters Thursday that Kriisa, the team’s starting point guard who missed the last two games of the Pac-12 Tournament with a sprained ankle, is close to a return. He could even bring Kriisa off the bench when he returns.
Tommy Lloyd says Arizona point guard Kerr Kriisa (ankle) is a “gametime decision” for the first round vs. Wright State.
“We’ll see. … I think he’s close.”
Lloyd also says there’s a possibility Kriisa comes off the bench. pic.twitter.com/jPKASubj5j
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) March 17, 2022
“We’ll see,” Lloyd said. “He’s made great progress. … Our goal was to push it to see how close we could get him to playing, and I think he’s close.”
During the team’s practice session ahead of media availability, Kriisa was on the court getting shots up with his teammates.
Kerr Kriisa (ankle) taking some shots during Arizona’s practice. pic.twitter.com/loMu0MZVWX
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) March 17, 2022
Kriisa is averaging 10 points and five assists for the Wildcats this season. He’s the initiator for one of college basketball’s most efficient offenses and a timely shot-maker. For the Wildcats to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, it likely needs to get Kriisa back to full health.
Sixth-year senior guard Justin Kier has started the last two games in Kriisa’s place. He scored 13 points, with five boards and three assists in Arizona’s semifinal win over Colorado. In the championship game against UCLA, Kier was limited to just 14 minutes because of foul trouble, but Dalen Terry (15 points, seven boards, seven assists) ran the show nicely.
The Wildcats play 16-seed Wright State Friday, with coverage scheduled to begin at 4:27 p.m. PT on truTV.