Young Will Not Need Surgery on Thumb

Guard Ray Young will not need surgery to repair a ligament in his right (shooting) thumb, a procedure that could have sidelined him for as much as two months, and instead might play this week.

A potential starter at shooting guard, Young has been held out of contact work in practice and any drills that involve catching balls. He is allowed to shoot on the sidelines.

“It’s getting a lot better,” Coach Steve Lavin said. “The doctors think there’s enough of a ligament remaining [that he should be OK to play].”

An update could come as soon as Monday, with the Bruin season opener Tuesday against Fairfield at Pauley Pavilion.

Rico Hines and Billy Knight started both exhibition games at the wing spots that are basically interchangeable. Lavin said no final decision has been made, but indicated he probably will stick with the same alignment for Fairfield, though Earl Watson’s back injury could mean alterations.