Cavs’ Tucker, Baker back in action

Well, maybe this year’s strain of injury virus won’t be as vicious as some Virginia basketball fans feared.
On Thursday, a university spokesman informed media outlets that guard Calvin Baker and forward Jamil Tucker have begun practicing with the team again.
According to the spokesman, the pair is “practicing with
limitations and will continue to be evaluated as to their activity level.”
Baker has been out with a stress-related foot injury, while Tucker has been hampered by a shoulder ailment.
Virginia coach Dave Leitao could not be reached for comment.
The fact that the duo is back in action, even on a limited basis, has to be considered good news. At ACC Media Day on Sunday in Atlanta, Leitao didn’t sound very optimistic about either player returning any time soon — especially in Baker’s case. Leitao said that surgery was one option being discussed for the former walk-on.
Coming into this season, Baker and Tucker were viewed as potential starters.
Last season, Tucker was hampered by a back injury but managed to come on toward the end of the year, scoring in double figures in four of his final eight games.
Baker, meanwhile, was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season. The 6-foot guard was the team’s fourth-leading scorer and hit one of the biggest shots of the season — a go-ahead 3-pointer on the road at Georgia Tech that likely prevented Virginia from finishing in the ACC basement.
Baker was second on the team in assists, steals and
3-point field goal percentage.
Leitao awarded the former Woodside High (Newport News) standout a scholarship for his efforts.