Josh Smith is close to 100 percent
Words. Jason Jordan
After partially tearing the patellar tendon in his right knee, Josh Smith (Kentwood H.S., Kent, Wash.) said he’s finally healthy enough to begin playing extended minutes.
“I’ve been out for about six weeks,” he said. “It’s been a long process, but things are starting to look up now. I would say right now I’m about 95 percent.”
Smith, a senior center who is the 11th-rated prospect in the HSH national top 50, was injured early in the season during a loss to Federal Way, the top-ranked team in Washington. He sat out their trip to Birmingham, Ala., for the T-Mobile Invitational last month — which included a loss to nationally-ranked Yates H.S. (Houston) — and has now played two games since the injury. Per strict orders from the doctor, Smith was only allowed to play two minutes per quarter.
“I had about 12 points in the first game,” said Smith, a UCLA signee. “Then I had about 15 in the second game. I’ve just been feeling it out. It’s a little frustrating.”
Smith said he’s been in constant contact with UCLA head coach Ben Howland and his staff. The Bruins’ sports medicine staff closely monitors Smith’s MRI’s.
“The coaches just tell me to take it easy and not to rush back too soon,” said Smith. “They said that I’ve got to be a little selfish with this because I have a scholarship, and I could hurt myself long term if I rush back. Coach Howland told me that I don’t have anything more to prove. Tuesday’s game will be my first time since the injury playing most of the game.”
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