Keatts Gives Status Update on Malik Abu’s Injury

NC State is going to be without senior big man, Malik Abu, when they take the court in their season opener tomorrow night.

NC State coach Kevin Keatts told ESPN that Abdul-Malik Abu (knee) won’t play in the opener; is running, but not doing contact yet. Will be evaluated weekly.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) November 9, 2017

I don’t think any Wolfpack fan who has been paying attention actually believed Abu would be back by the opener, however it is nice to see the update that he is already running.

NC State coach Kevin Keatts said he will not play Malik Abu at less than 100 percent. Even if he’s 98 percent, Keatts said, he’ll sit. Wolkpack plays 4 games in 7 days beginning Friday. Abu will miss 1st 2 at least

— Stephen Wiseman (@stevewisemanNC) November 9, 2017

Now, even though he’s running, it doesn’t mean we’ll see him anytime soon. Keatts also made it clear that Abu won’t be logging any game action until he is 100%. That is in line with what we reported the day after the injury was announced.

A grade 2 MCL sprain isn’t super-serious, but it is a fraying of a ligament. It’s in NC State’s best interest to give him more than enough time to heal. There’s no reason to rush him back and risk a relapse that comes during conference play.

We will keep you updated as we learn the outcome of Abu’s weekly evaluations.