FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas will likely be without one of its true freshmen for a couple of more weeks.
Former Arlington, Texas, Grace Prep standout Jordan Phillips (6-7, 209) was unable to play in the Red-White contest or the Razorbacks’ two exhibition games due to an injury.
Phillips, who is rehabbing a meniscus injury, was on the bench in Arkansas’ 100-63 exhibition win over Division II Southwest Baptist on Friday night.
“I am just being prayerful that maybe in a couple of weeks,” Anderson said of his possible return. “I may be speaking out of turn - (head trainer) Dave (England) is the medical professional that is.
"Next week he will get a chance to come and do some non-contact stuff (in practice) and be able to some shooting and see if he can get some mobility in that area and we will just see where it goes from there. He has been working extremely hard trying to get back. There are some positive stuff taking place for him.
“So maybe two weeks, I don’t know exactly a particular time, but I think his rehab is going pretty good right now.”
Phillips, who had hip surgery at the end of his final high school season, averaged 25.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 1.4 assists his senior season for Grace Prep.
He was ranked the 132nd-best player nationally by Rivals.
Because of the two injuries to Phillips, Anderson has only got to see a brief glimpse of Phillips in a college practice setting.
“For about a week, and he looked pretty good,” Anderson said. “He is that other piece that we have got to have - that versatile, like a big guard really. I think from watching he can see the rebounding and the physicality and having a guy that can make some plays. So we look forward to getting him back.”