Texas Tech Faces Off Against Arkansas in the Sweet 16
Texas Tech is set to face off with Arkansas in the Sweet 16 in San Francisco Thursday night.
The Red Raiders just might be doing it without one of their top scorers. Chance McMillian, one of Tech’s outstanding guards who hasn’t played since March 13, will be a game-time decision Thursday night, according to coach Grant McCasland.
Chance McMillian’s Status
“I do believe we’re getting close,” McCasland said Wednesday. “And before it was hard for me to say. Now I honestly do think we’re getting close.
“As to his availability, it’s going to be a game-time decision. But he’s been remarkably resilient and he’s been as good as a guy on the bench as he was as a player, because of his belief in what we’re doing.”
He was able to practice on Wednesday.
McMillian’s Background and Injury
McMillian is a senior guard from Vallejo, Calif., a town that is about 30 miles north of San Francisco. The Bay Area native is thrilled to be on the Sweet 16 stage in front of his family and friends, at the Chase Center, the home of the Golden State Warriors.
“Feels good to be back home because this is my first game in Northern California, too, so I have a lot of people excited to watch this,” McMillian said.
But will he actually get to play Thursday night or will he be hoping Texas Tech tops Arkansas so he gets a chance to play in Saturday’s Elite Eight matchup?
“I’m getting better day-by-day,” McMillian said. “Been in the training room, doing a lot of pool workouts and breathing workouts because I strained my oblique pretty bad. But my goal is to play tomorrow.”
Opponent’s Perspective
Arkansas coach John Calipari had high praise for McMillian and believes the Texas Tech star will give it a go on Thursday.
“They tell me Chance [McMillian] is playing. I had to do tape work on Chance,” he said. “He’s one of their best players. Like, they really need another shooter. They really need one more shooter.”
For the season, McMillian averages 14.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and shoots 43.4% from 3-point range.
Importance of McMillian’s Presence
Having the senior guard on the floor Thursday night would be a big boost to Texas Tech’s chances of moving on to the Elite Eight.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the fate of Texas Tech’s game against Arkansas hangs in the balance, with Chance McMillian’s availability still uncertain. However, with his determination and progress in recovery, there’s hope that he might take to the court on Thursday night. The Red Raiders will need all the help they can get to move on to the Elite Eight, and McMillian’s presence would undoubtedly be a significant boost.
FAQs
Q: Who is Chance McMillian and why is his availability uncertain?
A: Chance McMillian is a senior guard for Texas Tech, and his availability is uncertain due to an oblique strain he suffered on March 13.
Q: What is the significance of McMillian’s presence on the court?
A: McMillian’s presence on the court would be a big boost to Texas Tech’s chances of moving on to the Elite Eight, as he averages 14.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and shoots 43.4% from 3-point range.
Q: What does Arkansas coach John Calipari think about McMillian’s chances of playing?
A: Arkansas coach John Calipari believes that McMillian will play on Thursday, citing that he had to do tape work on him and that McMillian is one of Texas Tech’s best players.
