The Butler basketball team could be getting an infusion of youth and athleticism into its lineup as freshman guard Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor returned to practice Tuesday for the first time since injuring his ankle during warmups against Indiana State on Oct. 29.
Oliogu-Elabor shed his walking boot and took part in half-court team drills. Coach Thad Matta said the plan is to ramp up the freshman’s involvement in practice, but he’s doubtful for the Bulldogs’ game against Wright State on Friday at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
“He was just going to do scout team, but he ended up doing a little bit more today,” Matta said. “It was good to see him back out there. We’ll see how he’s doing after practice.
“He hasn’t done anything for four weeks. We’ll get a feel for how he feels afterward.”
With Oliogu-Elabor in practice, graduate transfer Jalen Jackson sat out of practice as a precautionary measure. The point guard dislocated his ankle during summer workouts and has been managing the injury all season. His status for Friday’s game is not in doubt.
Butler has three nonconference games remaining before its Big East opener at home against Providence on Dec. 13.
The Ontario native will join a second unit that has performed well in short spurts this season. Backup center Yohan Traore is fifth on the team in scoring at 7.5 points per game. Sophomore guard Evan Haywood is second on the team with 13 made 3-pointers. Yame Butler and Azavier “Stink” Robinson have both played the backup point guard position at times, and freshmen Jackson Keith and Jack McCaffery are providing depth in the front court.
It’s unclear who will lose minutes once Oliogu-Elabor returns, but added depth come Big East play is always a good thing to have.
