Butler's Bryce Nze has labrum tear but not yet ruled out of Maui tourney
INDIANAPOLIS – The good news for Butler basketball is Bryce Nze’s injury is not necessarily season-ending.
The school announced Thursday an MRI revealed a partial labrum tear in his left shoulder. The 6-7 forward will continue to be evaluated, and no determination has been made on his availability for next week’s Maui Invitational at Las Vegas.
Nze was hurt in Wednesday’s 73-52 loss to Michigan State. He left the game after seven minutes and never returned.
Through four games, the versatile Nze is averaging 6.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists. The Bulldogs often run offense through him.
Nze is in his sixth year of college and one of what will soon be a quartet of Butler players to score 1,000 career points. Nze has 1,146, Jair Bolden 1,092, Bo Hodges 1,081 and Ty Groce 957. Hodges is also sidelined, rehabbing from a broken leg.
Nze expanded his game last season, especially late. Over the Bulldogs’ final 10 games, he averaged 14.3 points and 7.1 rebounds, shooting 54% from the field and 50% on 3-pointers (12-of-24).
Butler (3-1) opens against No. 15 Houston (3-0) on Monday at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
Contact IndyStar reporter David Woods at david.woods@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidWoods007.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Butler Bulldogs: Bryce Nze has labrum tear, not yet ruled out of Maui
