Aaron Gordon dunks at the McDonald’s All American game in Chicago in April. Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Arizona Wildcats coach Sean Miller is being careful with Aaron Gordon’s health early in the season.
The true freshman — touted as a potential Pac-12 Player of the Year — has been dealing with what Miller calls a “nagging” groin strain.
Before UA fans panic, Miller did add that the injury was “not significant.” On the other hand, it’s significant enough that Miller has kept the 6-8 forward out of a couple of recent practices, figuring occasional rest is the best way to go right now.
“It’s an injury that is not all of a sudden going to go away,” Miller said.
“What we’ve done is we’re trying to teach him how to manage it. He’s champing at the bit to be in every practice and be ready to play. Sometimes, for us, giving him an extra day of rest, not letting him practice the entire time, is going to let him calm down and I think be healthy for the long haul.
“It’s something he’s going to be fine with, especially if we’re smart right now.”
Miller limited Gordon’s time in Arizona’s 84-52 exhibition win over Division II Augustana on Oct. 28, and again in the closed scrimmage at St. Mary’s on Saturday. Miller said he expects Gordon to play without limitation in the season-opener vs. Cal Poly on Friday night (8 p.m., Pac-12 Networks).
Gordon was selected Tuesday as one of 15 early candidates for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, given to the national player of the year.
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