
After returning to practice earlier this week, junior forward Dwayne Smith may check into play for the first time this season tonight against Detroit, Byron Kerr reports.
Kerr spoke with head coach Mike Lonergan this morning, who said that Smith, sidelined with concussion symptoms at the beginning of the season, will look to take the court tonight in Ohio- though he won’t be starting.
“Dwayne was able to practice this week, which should help us and we’re hoping to give him some minutes off the bench,” Lonergan said.
Smith, GW’s leading returning offensive rebounder, has yet to compete for the Colonials this season. He grabbed 81 offensive rebounds last season, and finished second overall in rebounding, averaging 5.1 per game. Smith netted a .400 field goal percentage on the season, grabbing 153 total rebounds and contributing 29 assists.
His return is a boost for GW’s low post, which has struggled without Smith’s presence. Lonergan’s been frank about his desire for the team to develop better post-up play, and Smith’s addition will strengthen the Colonials front in the paint.
GW rounds out play in the CBE Classic this week, taking on Detroit tonight at 5 p.m., Austin Peay Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. and Bowling Green Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m.