UConn's Silas Demary Jr. Details Injury Prep Before Elite Eight

The Huskies guard is dealing with a high ankle sprain ahead of the matchup against Duke.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:04pm

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UConn guard Silas Demary Jr. has been playing through a Grade 2 high ankle sprain, with calf and Achilles issues. He missed the Furman game but returned, though he has scored just 2 points and 3 rebounds in each of his last two outings. Demary has revealed his game day routine to manage the injury, including treatment, stretching, and keeping his ankle warm. The Huskies will need Demary at his best as they face a tough Duke team in the Elite Eight.

Why it matters

Demary is a key player for the Huskies, averaging 10.4 points and 6.1 assists per game this season. His ability to manage the injury and contribute at a high level will be crucial for UConn's chances of advancing to the Final Four.

The details

Demary has been dealing with a Grade 2 high ankle sprain, as well as calf and Achilles issues. He missed the Furman game but returned, though he has scored just 2 points and 3 rebounds in each of his last two outings. Demary has revealed his game day routine to manage the injury, including treatment like Compex, BOSU ball work, Game Ready, massage boots, stretching, taping, and using an orange band to keep his ankle warm.

  • Demary missed the Furman game.
  • Demary returned but has scored just 2 points and 3 rebounds in each of his last two outings.

The players

Silas Demary Jr.

A UConn guard who is dealing with a Grade 2 high ankle sprain, as well as calf and Achilles issues. He is averaging 10.4 points and 6.1 assists per game this season.

Malachi Smith

A UConn guard who has stepped in with Demary dealing with the injury, recording 7 assists and 4 steals in 17 minutes of play in his last outing.

Tarris Reed Jr.

A UConn player who led the team with 20 points in their 67-63 win over Michigan State to advance to the Elite Eight.

Alex Karaban

A UConn player who added 17 points and 7 rebounds in the win over Michigan State.

Caleb Foster

A Duke guard who returned from a foot fracture in the Sweet 16 game, making 11 second-half points off the bench to help Duke advance.

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What they’re saying

“My game day routine to prepare is to wake up, eat some breakfast, and then get right to treatment. That's like Compex, doing a lot of stuff on the BOSU ball, Game Ready, massage boots, it's a mix of all that. Then I get here a little early, jump on the BOSU ball again, do some stretching, taping, and just try to run around to stay as warm as possible. So it's really just doing a bunch of those things throughout the course of the day and using an orange band, doing little gas pumps to keep my ankle warm.”

— Silas Demary Jr., UConn Guard

What’s next

The Huskies will face Duke in the Elite Eight, with Demary's status and ability to contribute at a high level being a key factor in the outcome.

The takeaway

Demary's injury management will be crucial for UConn's chances of advancing to the Final Four, as he is a key player for the Huskies' offense and defense. The Huskies will need him at his best to take down the talented Duke team.