Virginia Tech got a few extra days to rest up as they look to end their five-game losing streak and turn their season around during a six-game stretch that includes five Q1 games starting at #10 Virginia on Wednesday.
The Hokies are hoping to have Hunter Cattoor back from his bruised elbow for the start of this stretch with head coach Mike Young showing some optimism that this may be the week for Cattoor's return.
#Hokies coach Mike Young expects Hunter Cattoor to be "full go" in practice today and able to play Wednesday at #UVa.
— David Teel (@ByDavidTeel) January 16, 2023
#Hokies coach Mike Young said he expects Hunter Cattoor (elbow) to play Wednesday against #UVA. Said Cattoor is seeing doctor right now. "We think so. Today will be a big day."
— Mike Barber (@RTD_MikeBarber) January 16, 2023
Young told some of the media during the weekly ACC Coaches Teleconference that he "thinks" Cattoor will play at #10 Virginia on Wednesday and expects him to be full go for practice. However, Young also made clear that it isn't a certainty yet that the veteran starting guard will make his return on Wednesday based on those quotes.
There's no doubt that the Hokies could use Cattoor back as soon as possible losing all four games that they've been without him plus the Boston College game where he suffered his bruised elbow. Tech's three-point shooting has suffered without Cattoor while they haven't had the same spacing due to those issues while the offense has simply looked out of sync at times. While the issues go beyond Cattoor, there's no doubt that the veteran sharpshooter and big time defender can solve many of them.
On the season, Cattoor is averaging 9.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 42.3% from the field including 40.7% from three-point range plus 69.6% from the free-throw line.