Notre Dame star forward Luke Harangody is listed as game-time decision when the Irish travel to Louisville for their game with the Cardinals on Wednesday.
If Harangody's knee responds well to exercise, the Irish star forward could return to action on Wednesday.
Harangody suffered a bone bruise in a game last Thursday against Seton Hall when he landed awkwardly and hyper-extended it while chasing a rebound.
Head coach Mike Brey said Harangody worked on the stationary bike on Monday and he’ll be back on the bike more rigorously today to see how the injury holds up.
“You gotta see how he reacts to the bicycle today – and reacts to actually some movement – [then] shooting drills today and tomorrow to see where he is at,” Brey said. “That’s kind of where we’re at. We’re kind of day to day. I’m interested to see today after riding the bike hard how he feels. That’s kind of where we got to get to today.”
Brey said if the knee responds well, Harangody could be used against Louisville as a best-case scenario.
“Seeing how he feels today, seeing how feels tomorrow after doing a little more today,” Brey said. “Does he take part full speed in the shoot-around? And then we see where he’s at there. And does he go through full pregame warm-ups? That’s kind of the progression we’re looking at.”
If he can’t go, Brey was all but certain that his senior captain would be ready to return for the game against Pittsburgh on Feb. 24.
“I’d be shocked if he is not back for Pittsburgh, with the progress we’re making,” Brey said. “We’ve got time to get him there.”
The injury comes at a time when Notre Dame is fighting for its NCAA Tournament lives. At 6-7 and with five Big East games remaining, the Irish likely need to win four of the last five and finish 10-8 to even get into the selection conversation, and maybe all five games to reach 11-7 and rest easy before Selection Sunday.
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