Injuries slow Bulls; bench picks up the slack

While coach may be his official title at South Florida, Seth Greenberg might be feeling a little like Cpl. Klinger from M.A.S.H. these days.

The Bulls’ health is becoming an increasing concern for Greenberg as USF prepares for Tulane Saturday at the Sun Dome at 7 p.m.

“We’re a team that’s still trying to get healthy,” Greenberg said.

Injuries have been mounting of late for the Bulls (15-7, 5-4 in Conference USA), something USF can ill afford as it heads into the home stretch of its conference schedule. The latest Bull shelved is starting forward Greg Brittian, who hurt his right foot against Louisville. Preliminary reports indicate Brittian may have a stress fracture – depending if science or premonition is the prevailing factor in the diagnosis.

“We’re not sure it’s a stress fracture. That’s just a hunch per se,” Greenberg said. “Nothing shows up on the X-ray.”

Greenberg said he is trying to give Brittian, who started 20-of-21 games prior to UAB, some time to heal. Brittian (7.3 points, 3.1 rebounds per game) has been off the foot as much as possible the past four days.

“(I’m trying) to give it as much rest as I can and see if we can get him completely healthy – I’m not sure if that’s possible,” Greenberg said. “We’re trying to see if time off will take some of the pressure away.”

Brittian was replaced in the starting lineup by freshman Marlyn Bryant, but it was Jimmy Baxter who received the bulk of the work against UAB. Baxter scored 13 points (3-of-5 from three-point range) in a career-high 27 minutes.

“I thought (Baxter) was very patient and that’s why he was so effective,” Greenberg said. “And I thought that was the best he played on the wing in the 1-3-1 in a long time.”Despite Baxter’s productivity, Greenberg said if Brittian can’t go, he will start Bryant again.

“I like the energy (Bryant) brings us,” he said. “And that gives us a little punch off the bench with Michael (Bernard) and Jimmy.”

Brittian joins guard Reggie Kohn (stress fracture in left leg) and forward B.B. Waldon on the Bulls’ walking-wounded list.

“We’ve documented Reggie’s situation, but (Waldon) spent all (Wednesday) in treatment,” Greenberg said. “He’s in severe pain.”Both of Waldon’s knees have been giving him problems and Greenberg said the 6-foot-8 senior will have the right one scoped after the season.

“Just physically, his knees are worn down,” Greenberg said. “He’s in a lot of pain and playing through it.”

But Waldon’s knees haven’t been, pardon the pun, the only sore spot. He is also playing with a shoulder Greenberg thinks will also have to be scoped after the season and a broken pinkie sustained last year, contributing to Waldon’s lack of offensive productivity recently. Waldon hasn’t scored more than 11 in a game since USF’s 68-54 win at Tulane Jan. 23.

“We’re disappointed he’s not scoring,” Greenberg said. “But right now he’s doing what his body allows him to do and he still had a double-double (against UAB).”