Penn Quakers’ star wing TJ Power is questionable for their NCAA Tournament opener against Illinois due to illness. Power missed practice, casting doubt on his availability for the game.
Power’s Illness Disrupts Penn’s Preparation
Penn coach Fran McCaffery expressed cautious optimism regarding Power’s status. McCaffery indicated that while he thought Power would play, the player “didn’t feel up to it” to practice. Power’s absence is a blow to the 14th-seeded Quakers, especially with leading scorer Ethan Roberts already ruled out due to a concussion suffered in the Ivy League tournament.
Power’s presence at a late-afternoon shootaround on Wednesday offered a glimmer of hope. His importance to the team is clear: Power’s game is not easily replaceable, especially for a programme like Penn.
McCaffery’s History with Power
Power, a former five-star high school prospect, transferred to Penn after stints at Duke and Virginia. His move to Penn was aided by a pre-existing relationship with McCaffery, who had previously recruited him to Iowa.
Power is averaging 16.8 points and 7.9 rebounds this season, while shooting 43.3% from three-point range. His size and shooting ability are central to Penn’s game plan.
Illinois Coach Praises Power
Illinois coach Brad Underwood lauded Power’s 44-point performance in Penn’s Ivy League championship win over Yale. Underwood called it “one of the best performances I’ve seen all year.” He also expressed concern over Power’s illness, stating, “When somebody gets sick, it scares me to death.”
Underwood added, “I hope he’s not in a position to have the greatest of his career coming off a 44-point game.”
Quakers Face Uphill Battle
The uncertainty surrounding Power comes at a bad time for Penn. Roberts and Power account for nearly 34 of Penn’s 76.1 points per game this season. Senior forward Michael Zanoni is the only other player in double figures, with 11.6 points per game.
Penn are set to face Illinois on Thursday. The team is considered a 24½-point underdog.
Whatever the Quakers get from Power, they will be