Hoops Housekeeping: Gibbs will be back Saturday, Stokes Monday, Witherspoon tonight

Ashton Gibbs: There was originally speculation that Pitt's leading scorer would be able to return for tonight's game against South Florida, but according to Adam Zagoria, Gibbs said he will "be back Saturday" pending a doctor's clearance to take on St. John's in Madison Square Garden. (Gibbs is an NYC native. No chance he was missing that game.)

"He never came out when he was hurt in the game anyway, so he's never felt he's been hurt anyway," Pitt coach Jamie Dixon said Sunday at the PrimeTime Shootout at Kean University. "He's been ready to go since the injury."


Wesley Witherspoon: The 6'8" Memphis small forward has been in and out of the lineup this season due to injuries and disciplinary matters, but according to Jason Smith of the Memphis Commercial-Appeal, Witherspoon will dress and be available to play tonight against UAB.

"The biggest issue is he's just not in condition. He gets winded very quickly, which is very normal obviously," Pastner said. "He doesn't have his full athleticism back just yet."

'Spoon hasn't played since January 12th against SMU. He was suspended after the game due to inappropriate behavior on the bus ride home then sat out while his surgically repaired knee continued to heal.


Tennessee's point guards: According to Tennessee beat writer Wes Rucker, Bruce Pearl will be shaking up his back court rotation tonight against South Carolina. Pearl has yet to say who will start, but he did announce that Skylar McBee will be taking over Trae Golden's minutes at the point. He did say that it will probably be Goins starting, and that the changes have nothing to do with his senior's attitude or energy.

"It's factual," Pearl said. "Where are we in points? Where are we in assist-turnover ratio? Where are we in steals? Where are we in shooting percentage? Where are we in 3-point percentages? We're not where we want to be.

"Defense can't be measured, and your heart can't be measured. And certainly, Melvin has played terrific defense, and he's to be complimented on that. But we've got to get better offensive play. So it looks like tomorrow we'll be going with Skylar and Melvin."


Corey Stokes: Villanova's senior guard missed his second straight game after sitting out the second half of the Wildcat's loss to Rutgers with turf toe. He's not expected to play on Saturday against DePaul, either, as the team tries to get him prepared for a Big Monday matchup with Syracuse on the 21st of the month.

It may end up being a blessing in disguise. Last night, freshman James Bell went for a career-high 21 points against Seton Hall playing some of Stokes' minutes. He had 31 points on the season coming into the game. It can't hurt to have a player like Bell with his confidence at a high level this team of the year.