Leonard’s injury not as bad as previously thought

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Finally, some good news for Riverside King junior forward Kawhi Leonard.

King Coach Tom Sweeney said Tuesday that Leonard does not have a hernia and/or a hip flexor, as earlier feared, but rather a pulled Iliac muscle. Sweeney said the injury can be season-ending in some cases, but Leonard’s already close to being healthy.

Leonard’s remarkable season was interrupted by the news that his father, Mark Leonard, was shot and killed Friday night in Compton, shortly before the Wolves tipped off for their game 50 miles away against visiting Riverside Arlington.

Leonard did not live with his father, but from talking to people associated with the team, the two were close. Less than 24 hours after learning of his father’s death, Leonard returned to the floor against Dominguez at Pauley Pavilion and scored 15 points in a 68-60 loss.

Supposedly, UCLA is developing an interest in Leonard, a 6-foot-7 wing who can shoot the three and finish fast breaks with authority. The Bruins should take into account this kid’s heart as well.

-- Dan Arritt

-- Image from www.hsu.edu