North Carolina coach Hubert Davis gives injury update on Leaky Black

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North Carolina coach Hubert Davis was optimistic when asked about Leaky Black’s injury status on Saturday night.

Black exited North Carolina’s win over NC State with an apparent right knee injury. He was able to return to the court and went through the team’s layup line at halftime, but did not play in the second half.

However, Davis indicated that he could play in North Carolina’s game vs. Syracuse on Monday.

He told reporters there was no “structural damage” to Black’s right knee.

Hubert Davis says "no structural damage" on Leaky Black's hyper-extended right knee.

Armando Bacot seems of minimal concern. He says Black will "be fine on Monday" when UNC plays host to Syracuse.

— Adam Smith (@adam_smithTN) February 26, 2022

That’s a big boost for North Carolina, who doesn’t have the depth to replace Black’s minutes in the rotation. He’s been UNC’s best perimeter defender all season and has been better on offense in recent games.

The Tar Heels run a short bench and often lean on their starters to play the vast majority of the minutes. Black is averaging nearly 28 minutes per game this season.

North Carolina is still fighting for an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament. The Tar Heels are currently projected to be one of the final teams into the Field of 64, according to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi.

North Carolina hosts Syracuse on Monday night.