Jan. 14, 2008

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Sophomore center Casiem Drummond (East Orange, N.J./Bloomfield Tech) has been cleared to return to practice on a limited basis, it was announced today. Drummond was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right ankle on Dec. 28.

Villanova team orthopedist Dr. Rob Good, chief of orthopedic surgery at Bryn Mawr Hospital, evaluated Drummond today. It was determined that Drummond's ankle has healed sufficiently to begin workouts with the team.

"We are excited to have Casiem back with us on the court again," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "Cas worked extremely hard in rehab to maintain his conditioning. We will monitor his progress on the practice court this week and make a judgment on when he returns to the lineup."

Drummond started six of the Wildcats first eight games this season before experiencing pain in his ankle that sent him to the sidelines for Villanova's game against Hartford on Dec. 14. He has missed a total of six games, including all three of the `Cats BIG EAST encounters. His 7.9 rpg average is tops among Villanova players and he also averages 7.1 ppg.

Villanova hosts DePaul on Wednesday night at the Pavilion (9:05 p.m./ESPNU and SportsTalk Radio 950).