Overview
- Coach Danny Hurley said Demary is expected to be about 90% for the semifinal against Illinois at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday.
- Demary has not been cleared for live practice and is wearing an ankle brace with a boot after games, so he will rely on in-game rhythm rather than full-speed reps.
- The point guard hurt his ankle on March 14 against St. John’s, missed the first-round game versus Furman, and has progressed from roughly 65% early in the tournament to about 75% by the Elite Eight.
- He sparked the Elite Eight win over Duke with a late steal that led to Braylon Mullins’ game-winning three and with back-to-back threes during the rally.
- As UConn’s lead playmaker at 5.9 assists per game with first-team All-Big East honors, his availability looms large for a team pursuing a third national title in four years.