West Regional: Injured players might return for North Carolina, Wisconsin

North Carolina Coach Roy Williams was not sure whether Kennedy Meeks would play against Wisconsin on Thursday in the West Regional semifinals.

Meeks, a 6-foot-9, 270-pound center, suffered what has been called a sprained knee against Arkansas Saturday. He went through a light workout with the team Wednesday.

“He did some limited contact drills for the first time,” Williams said. “If there is swelling and pain tonight, we won’t play him. If there is swelling and pain, we won’t play him.”

Meeks averages 11.6 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin guard Traevon Jackson could also see some playing time. Jackson, the Badgers’ starting point guard, has not played since suffering a fractured foot on Jan. 11. He went through limited workouts this week.

“We’re talking about a somebody who had a few possessions [in practice] yesterday,” Wisconsin Coach Bo Ryan said. “But if he is physically capable of being on the floor, he deserves some time because I’m going to reward him for working so hard in rehab. Now how many possessions, that remains to be seen.”