San Diego State Guard Expects to Play in Opener

Guard Anthony Watson said Monday that despite an injured right hand he expects to play in San Diego State’s basketball opener Friday against Louisiana Tech at the Sun-Met tournament in Fresno.

Forwards Steffond Johnson and Gerald Murray were not so certain about their statuses.

Johnson has only been able to practice part-time because of muscle spasms in his lower back. Murray, who is recovering from a broken kneecap, said he heard a pop in the knee when he attempted a dunk Monday. He will receive the results of X-rays this morning.

Watson was SDSU’s leading scorer in 1984-85, averaging 17.5 points a game. He cut the webbing between the index and middle fingers on his right hand in practice last week. The wound required 10 stitches, which were removed Monday.

The injury caused Watson to miss a 90-61 exhibition loss against Athletes in Action last Wednesday. He returned to practice Monday wearing a protective pad.

“Right now, it is still kind of sore,” Watson said. “I don’t think it will be fully healed for our first game, but I think I’m going to play.”

Johnson attempted to play against Athletes in Action, only to immediately remove himself because of back pains.

“The doctor said I shouldn’t have tried to play,” Johnson said. “I should have listened. But I feel a lot better now than last week.”

Murray played against Athletes in Action, scoring 17 points and recording a game-high nine rebounds. He said he expected to be fully recovered from the broken kneecap in about two weeks, but Monday’s incident may have set him back.