When it comes to the injury bug, Florida has not had any luck this year.
Scottie Wilbekin’s ankle injury Monday night during No. 15 Florida’s 65-64 loss to No. 12 UConn was a high right ankle sprain, the team announced Tuesday afternoon.
X-rays conducted Tuesday were negative for any breaks and tears.
No timetable for the point guard’s return has been set at this time, UF added.
Wilbekin suffered the injury late in Monday’s contest and did not play the final 3:01 against the Huskies. Coming down from a rebound attempt, he landed awkwardly on UConn guard Ryan Boatright’s foot. Wilbekin fell to the ground holding his right ankle before play stopped and trainers escorted him to the locker room.
Without Wilbekin during the final stretch of the game, Florida moved the ball well and kept the game close until UConn guard Shabazz Napier sunk a buzzer-beater to win it for the Huskies.
Before exiting to the locker room, Wilbekin had 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting and two assists against three turnovers.
Wilbekin’s exit is a quick one after only playing in Florida’s past three games. He missed the first five games of the regular season due to suspension for violating team rules.
High ankle sprains typically take about 4-6 weeks to heal. Without Wilbekin, No. 15 Florida could be heading into its home matchup against No. 6 Kansas on Dec. 10 with no true point guards and only six scholarship players.
Freshman point guard Kasey Hill also suffered a high ankle sprain during Florida’s win against Southern on Nov. 18. His original timetable for recovery was set for at least a month.
Hill seems to be making progress from his injury, as he has been cleared to walk without a protective boot, but he has not been active in UF’s past four contests.
With Florida having limited options, sophomore shooting guard Michael Frazier II and forward Dorian Finney-Smith will likely have to assume point guard duties against the Jayhawks.
Swingman DeVon Walker (mid-foot sprain) played minimal minutes against UConn but should be in better health when facing the Jayhawks, barring any setbacks.
Combo guard Eli Carter, who has yet to regain full strength after suffering a broken leg in February, is opting for a medical redshirt and will not be available. Sophomore guard Dillon Graham (bone spurs in hips) is out for the season.
Follow Landon Watnick on Twitter @LandonWatnick.
Scottie Wilbekin lies on the floor injured during the second half of No. 15 Florida’s 65-64 loss to No. 12 Connecticut on Monday in Storrs, Conn. Wilbekin is out indefinitely with a high right ankle sprain.
