USU Hoops: Injuries in the summer...what the Aggies didn't want

Marvin Jean and Jarred Shaw have yet to play an official game for Stew Morrill, yet both are considered important to Utah State's success in the 2012-2013 season.

Shaw, nicknamed "Slim", especially fits into this category, as a 6-foot-11 center with skills and athleticism unlike most players that Morrill has coached.

Shaw will for sure be USU's starting center from the opening tap this season. His mobility and mid-range jumper may put him at power forward, if seven-footer Matt Lopez proves able to handle the pivot when he becomes eligible in December. But Shaw, if able, will play heavy minutes. Count on that.

That's why it's disturbing that he's spent time this summer in a walking boot. His foot injury isn't considered serious, and there hasn't been an indication that he won't be ready for the start of practice in October. But, the more time he spends on the floor, the better.

Jean, a 6-4 small forward out of New York, recently jammed his thumb in a pick-up game. It's bad enough that it may require surgery, and it's likely that he tore a ligament. He is slated to give Utah State a dose of athleticism the lineup didn't have last year, and as a left-handed 6-4 small forward, the Pooh Williams comparisons have been inevitable.

Jean has played well in pick-up games this summer, showing off a nice jumper, and the ability to get to the basket off the dribble. If healthy, he will fight for a starting spot with Spencer Butterfield and Danny Berger in the fall.

Tony Jones