UConn Guard Solo Ball in Walking Boot After Final Four Injury

How Ball's Injury Impacts Huskies vs. Michigan in National Championship Game

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:33pm

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UConn guard Solo Ball suffered a foot injury in the Huskies' Final Four win over Illinois and is currently in a walking boot. Ball played through the injury, scoring 13 points in 28 minutes, but his status is uncertain for the national championship game against Michigan.

Why it matters

Ball is a key contributor for UConn, averaging 12.9 points per game this season. His injury could significantly impact the Huskies' chances against a tough Michigan team in the title game.

The details

Ball says he believes he suffered the injury when his foot got tangled with UConn center Tarris Reed Jr. on a screen. Despite the injury, Ball was able to play through it and make several key plays down the stretch to help UConn hold off Illinois. However, he is now in a walking boot and his status for the championship game is uncertain.

  • Ball suffered the injury during the first half of UConn's Final Four game against Illinois on April 5, 2026.
  • The national championship game between UConn and Michigan is scheduled for April 7, 2026, just two days after Ball's injury.

The players

Solo Ball

A junior guard for the UConn Huskies who is dealing with a foot injury suffered in the Final Four.

Tarris Reed Jr.

The UConn center whose screen was involved in the play where Ball suffered his injury.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, who described Ball's injury as a sprained foot.

Yaxel Lendeborg

The star forward for the Michigan Wolverines, who is also dealing with an injury but is expected to play in the championship game.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines.

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What they’re saying

“I'm feeling all right right now. Just leaving it up to the medical staff. I'm doing everything I can to prepare for tomorrow.”

— Solo Ball, UConn Guard

“Pain is temporary, like people say. It pushes you through your toughest moments. It's only what you're made of. My pride is in the way of all of that, like, I don't want to miss the championship game.”

— Solo Ball, UConn Guard

“Yaxel Lendeborg's imaging came back clean. 'I'm sure he'll give it a go tomorrow.' Said Yax played the second half 'like a 38 year old at the YMCA. A really good 38 year old.'”

— Dusty May, Michigan Head Coach

“I was able to get back out there, at least start the second half to see how I felt. I wanted to get two, three threes up, just to feel the rim for Monday. Because there's no way I'm missing that.”

— Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan Forward

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Ball's injury is a significant concern for UConn as they prepare to face a tough Michigan team in the national championship game. The Huskies have depth in the backcourt, but losing their second-leading scorer could be a major blow. Michigan is also dealing with injury issues, but Lendeborg's expected return is a positive sign for the Wolverines. This matchup could come down to which team is able to better overcome their injury concerns.