Kayla Jones may be game-time decision for NC State’s Sweet Sixteen matchup with Indiana

NC State has been fortunate this season, injury-wise, but some bad luck struck in the opening round of the NCAA tournament when Kayla Jones went down with a patella injury. Jones was dressed out two days later for State’s game against USF but did not play.

On Thursday, head coach Wes Moore met with media members and had this to say when asked about Jones’ status:

I think it’s still the same. We’re just gonna have to see how she feels on gameday. I know the doctors and her will have to figure all that out, where she’s at. I think a lot of it has to do with her being able to tolerate the pain and discomfort, but the doctors are also going to make sure that there is no risk involved and that it can’t do any damage. Really I’m just leaving that up to the medical staff. We’ll find out. It may be Friday night or Saturday before we know.

When Jones is healthy, NC State has six starter-quality players, and so far the team has been plenty capable simply by plugging in Jada Boyd, but the task is tougher from here on, and it will be difficult for the Wolfpack to reach its full potential without Jones available. I think State can definitely get past Indiana without her—and, fortunately, Indiana is really thin itself—but beyond that, who knows.