TJ Leaf to return for tonight’s PAC-12 tournament game against USC
After an ankle injury, he’s back to help us beat the Trojans
First year basketball star TJ Leaf is expected to return in tonight’s PAC 12 Tournament game against USC.
Leaf is returning after spraining his ankle within the first five minutes of the regular season game against the University of Washington. Leaf has not played since then, not even the final season game against Washington State.
Leaf, averaging 16.3 points and 8.4 rebounds this past season, has been selected for the A.P. First Team All PAC 12 and is one of five players being considered for the 2017 Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award. It is clear that Leaf is extremely important to the Bruins’ success, though risk of further injury could still be a concern.
“As long as he is healthy, it’ll be great to see TJ Leaf back on the court,” said first year student Lia Cohen. “It’s an important tournament heading into March Madness and Leaf is vital to the success of the team.”
Overall, fans of Bruin basketball are elated to see Leaf’s return. “I’m excited to see him back on the court and see what comeback he has in store for us!” said first year molecular, cell and developmental biology major Jessica Sanchez.
Sanchez (right) and friends cheer on the UCLA men’s basketball team
The #3 ranked Bruins are playing the #5 ranked Trojans in Las Vegas for the PAC-12 quarterfinals tonight at 8:30. Students can watch the televised game on ESPN.