Drake basketball coach Mark Phelps says there is a chance junior forward Ben Simons could return to action on Wednesday night when the Bulldogs host Southern Illinois in their home finale. Simons has missed the last five games after being diagnosed with mono.
Phelps says Simmons has been practicing without contact and being evaluated, and they are optimistic that he can return. Phelps said during Tuesday’s Missouri Valley teleconference that there is a chance Simons could play on Wednesday. “That’s me being the hopeless optimist…but really really don’t know,” Phelps said.
Drake is 8-8 in the Valley and beat Southern Illinois in their first meeting in Carbondale. The Salukis are 5-11 in the league race. He says Southern Illinois continues to play with a lot of effort. Drake is 15-13 overall and with a victory on Wednesday night would clinch a winning season.