Tampa subregional

No West could make O go south

The shooting guard, one of the Hawks' key weapons, enters the tournament with a stress fracture but says he's ready to go.

By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 18, 2003

St. Joseph's shooting guard Delonte West leaped into the air when his squad's name was announced Sunday night during the NCAA Tournament selection show.

That's a good sign.

"He survived the jump," coach Phil Martelli said.

West has a stress fracture in his right leg. It appears to be healing, but the high-scoring sophomore has been playing in pain.

The Hawks' chances of surviving this week in Tampa would greatly improve with a healthy West in the lineup. The 6-foot-3 Maryland native emerged as a standout before the injury that cut his playing time and effectiveness. He averages 17.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He shoots 48.3 percent from the floor and 81 percent from the free-throw line.

But West was used sparingly on consecutive nights in the Atlantic 10 tournament.

"He has worked so hard," St. Joseph's point guard Jameer Nelson said. "Hopefully he can get healthy and be back to his old self."

Martelli feared West's injury would cause the Hawks' seeding to drop because of West's importance. It didn't happen.

They got a seventh seed.

"I kept hearing No. 8 or No. 9," Martelli said. "My only fear was that we would slide down because Delonte is not 100 percent."

West's presence gives the Hawks offense some punch. In West, Nelson and 3-point specialist Pat Carroll, St. Joseph's has one of the country's premier backcourts.

But without West, the Hawks are somewhat limited. Because the inside game lacks scorers, defenses have concentrated on slowing Carroll.

"I'm concerned about our offense," Martelli said. "We haven't played great offense since Delonte went down."

West insists he'll be ready for Auburn.

Doctors say the only remedy is rest. That the Hawks drew a Friday game instead of one Thursday can't hurt.

"I'm playing no matter what," West told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I feel good and I am walking better. I'm going to play. ... The doctor said I can't hurt it any worse."

Martelli, still feeling the high that comes with earning a bid, was greeted by another welcome sight Monday morning. Upon arriving at his office, he saw West shooting jumpers in the gym.

"It's certainly a positive step if we can get Delonte healthy by Friday," Martelli said. "I'm sure he's anxious to try to play as much as he can. ... It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We wouldn't take that away from him."

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