When it was announced that Tobi Lawal was going to miss the Hokies' semifinal round game against Saint Mary's Thanksgiving afternoon in the Battle 4 Atlantis, it created a cause for concern for Hokies fans. Losing your best athlete and leading scorer, and rebounder is not ideal early in the season.
The Hokies went on to lose the final two games to the Gaels and VCU before heading to South Carolina on Tuesday night for the ACC/SEC Challenge. Lawal was ruled out again for a third straight game, and after the game, veteran head coach Mike Young gave an update that doesn't sound promising.
Virginia Tech coach Mike Young gives concerning Tobi Lawal injury update
Without Lawal, the Hokies were able to grind out an 86-83 overtime win over the Gamecocks to pick up their first ACC/SEC Challenge win in three tries. They did it after Tyler Johnson and Neoklis Avdalas fouled out of the game. After the game, Young was asked about his talented forward and gave a rather concerning update.
"It's a lower body injury, and it's going to be a bit,'' said Young. "I don't know two weeks, I don't know a month, I don't know six weeks yet. We'll know more as we go along, but it's not going to be a quick turnaround. But he's healthy. Could have been a lot worse. And he's getting excellent care with our medical team, so he'll be fine."
That doesn't sound like someone who is returning anytime soon. Maybe I'm wrong, but you have to think that Virginia Tech, Young, and the medical staff will take their time working Lawal back into the lineup.
After hosting George Mason on Saturday afternoon in a huge non-conference matchup, the Hokies will play more non-conference games before ACC play begins on New Year's Eve at home against Virginia. It would be surprising if Lawal returns anytime before hosting the Cavaliers, if that is even a realistic timeframe.