Injuries have been a big storyline for the Virginia Tech men's basketball team this season. They have lost some very key rotation players, including Tobi Lawal and Tyler Johnson.
Lawal went down with an injury in the opening round of the Battle 4 Atlantis in November in a win over Colorado State. He was out until earlier this month with a foot injury. Since he returned, head coach Mike Young has been bringing him back off the bench, and it is a smart move in working his way back into the lineup.
As for Johnson, he has been out since playing against Elon on Dec. 20. He has yet to play in an ACC game for Virginia Tech, and that could be coming to an end, sooner rather than later, according to Young.
Virginia Tech coach Mike Young gives key injury update on Tyler Johnson
The Hokies have a pair of home games this week after splitting two on the road last week, winning at Syracuse and losing at Louisville. They are squarely on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament, and they could be getting Johnson back. Young said it is unlikely he comes back for Tuesday night's game at home against Georgia Tech, but more likely for Saturday's home game against Duke.
"We'll know more (Monday),'' said Young. "I think it's unlikely that he'll participate tomorrow, but I think we've got a real shot on Saturday in that game at home. We're getting close. He feels great, he's doing a lot of things in the weight room. More and more on the floor. We're getting closer with him, and that will be a welcome sight."
Johnson, a sophomore, is averaging 9.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists this season for the Hokies after a good freshman season. Getting him back gives Young another starter and rotation player who will be a big part of Virginia Tech's run during the second half of their ACC schedule.