University of North Carolina sophomore guard P.J. Hairston is showing improvement one day after suffering a concussion in Tuesday night's basketball game at Boston College.
Hairston scored 14 points in 12 minutes in the first half before leaving the contest after a collision with 4:04 left in the period. He did not play again in the game that the Tar Heels won, 82-70.
He returned to Chapel Hill with the team last evening and was evaluated again by UNC doctors on Wednesday afternoon.
Hairston's status for Saturday's game against Virginia Tech is "doubtful." A decision on whether or not he plays against the Hokies will not be made until Saturday morning.
"We're certainly pleased that P.J. is feeling better, but it is unlikely that he will play on Saturday," says UNC athletics trainer Chris Hirth.
No surprise here. Reggie Bullock sat out of practice a week and missed the UNLV game after what was described as a mild concussion in late December. Hariston's concussion certainly looked bad as did his initial inability to stand under his own power. The good news is he was able to fly home with the team and is showing signs of improvement. Given the caution that should be taken with head injuries, Hairston missing Saturday's game against Virginia Tech is likely and absolutely the right call.
Leslie McDonald is scheduled to return from a three game suspension on Saturday. It will be interesting to see how much he can fill in for Hairston's absence should the Greensboro sophomore not play.
