NCAA Basketball: Injury Report (Is Bennie Boatwright any closer to a return?)

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Nov 25, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pac-12 Networks broadcaster Don MacLean (left) interviews Southern California Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) during a NCAA basketball game against the SMU Mustangs at Galen Center. USC defeated SMU 78-73. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

When will Bennie Boatwright return?

Three weeks ago, USC forward Bennie Boatwright was given a six week timetable to recover from a Grade 2 MCL sprain.

So is one of the Trojans’ best front court players on track to return when he was originally expected?

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That seems to be the case, according to the Associated Press. Following USC’s road victory over the Oregon State Beavers, the AP reported that Boatwright is expected to be back by mid-January (which would be exactly the six week timetable that was given back in early December).

That would be welcoming news for the Trojans, even though they have begun the season in impressive fashion. Despite Boatwright’s seven missed games, the Trojans are still 14-0 and are 1-0 in the Pac-12.

Boatwright is tremendous, but his absence has created even more opportunities for Chimezie Metu, who is succeeding in his “new role.” Metu is averaging 13.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. He looks much improved offensively and has helped the Trojans to a 7-0 record with Boatwright out.

But let’s not overlook the fact that USC hasn’t played the most difficult schedule with their sophomore big out of the lineup. Their biggest win over this stretch of games is BYU, and their second biggest is Wyoming.

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The Trojans need Boatwright back as soon as possible if they want to compete atop the Pac-12. And that’s why it’s critical that he hasn’t suffered a setback or anything of that nature.

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