Bryant hopes to be available for WVU

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By Dana O'Neil
ESPN.com
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INDIANAPOLIS -- His injured right foot in a boot and hooked up to an electrical stimulation machine, Darryl "Truck" Bryant summed up his situation in two simple words. "It sucks."

For the first time in 51 years, West Virginia is in the Final Four and the point guard isn't likely to play against Duke on Saturday after breaking his foot two weeks ago.

But Bryant isn't quite ready to throw in the towel. Instead, he's clinging to the slimmest of hopes that just maybe, he can at least contribute a little when the Mountaineers play the Blue Devils.

"[The Final Four] is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I'd definitely like to see if I can go," Bryant said Friday.

In the end, though, the decision will be up to coach Bob Huggins, who will not be easily swayed. On Thursday, Huggins said it was "highly unlikely" that Bryant would be available.

"No, I doubt I'll be able to talk him into anything," Bryant said with a laugh. "He's big on practice and makes his decision based on practice. I haven't practiced."

Bryant did take a few shots and dribbled a bit during the Mountaineers' open practice at Lucas Old Stadium on Friday. Afterward, he said it was the best his foot had felt since the injury occurred March 23, but admitted it still hurt.

"It hurts but it's not excruciating," Bryant said.

Dana O'Neil covers men's college basketball for ESPN.com.