
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
He's not back yet -- but the center has just begun practicing with the team for the first time in a year.
By ajrayno
One of the greatest mysteries of this season has been that of Mo Walker.
The sophomore injured his knee and had reconstructive surgery in December of 2010 – by traditional standards giving him plenty of time for a 2011 comeback. But all year, coach Tubby Smith has been tight-lipped on the subject, often expressing doubt that the big man would come back this season at all.
In Thursday's first media session in over a week, Smith suddenly revealed that Walker had been back, working out with the team over the long layoff, and that while the team staff was still keeping him limited with certain exercises, he is "almost fully engaged now."
While Smith and Co. still don't want to get into details – there is still no timeline for return – the simple fact that he's back to practicing, after such pessimism just weeks ago, is a great sign.
Walker hasn't participated in any basketball-related activities for a year now, so there's no telling when the team would agree to green-light him for games. Still, it is an intriguing development, even for Smith.
"I don't have any idea [when he could return to games," Smith said. "I really don't. The doctors are the ones – and he is the one that will determine if he does play. He has a couple of games that he could play and still be redshirted. But I would hate to do anything … but he's a kid that could be a big help to us."
The spree has led to criticism of the World Series champion and of Major League Baseball, but athletes say the market is working.