PITTSBURGH — Freshman wing Gerald Drumgoole will continue to be held out of action in both of Pitt’s two games (Rutgers and Louisville) this week as he tries to get healthy after he has been sidelined the last four games for the Panthers with an ankle injury.
Drumgoole started two of the four games that he played in to start the season. The 6-foot-5, 200-pounder adds a versatile defender and capable scorer that the Panthers could use when they head into the thick of conference play in a few weeks.
“He won’t play this week. I know that,” Capel said. “I don’t know (when he will return). But then I don’t think we play against until (December) 16th. I know he’s not close to playing this week, but other than that, I’m not sure.”
Pitt will have ten days off following their game at Louisville on Friday. They will get back into action on the 16th at home against Northern Illinois.
Senior forward Kene Chukwuka was seen getting up jumpers with a Pitt manager before Jeff Capel’s Monday press conference.
Chukwuka underwent hip surgery in the offseason. Last season Chukwuka started in 17 of Pitt’s 32 games and averaged 3.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He shot a team-high 53.4 percent from the field and 73.5 percent from the free-throw line.
“He’s been able to do a lot of stuff now,” Capel said. “But there’s no contact (right now), and I don’t really know where we are as far as a timetable. He’s still a ways away because he has to strengthen his hip.”
Chukwuka hasn’t played or practiced with contact since Pitt’s meeting with Boston College in the ACC tournament last season.
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