Good news on the injury front for the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels.

Talented USC transfer Bryce Dejean-Jones, who broke two bones in his left hand during practice on Oct. 4, said he expects to be back and ready to go in time for the team’s Nov. 7 exhibition opener against Dixie State at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Dejean-Jones, an explosive 6-foot-5 guard who would have been the favorite to win the dunk contest at tonight’s Scarlet/Gray Showcase at the Thomas & Mack Center, said the cast on his hand is scheduled to be taken off on Oct. 29. The original timetable for recovery from the injury was 4 to 6 weeks.

“It’s feeling a lot better and I should be back earlier than expected,” Dejean-Jones said. “I should definitely be back (for the opener).”
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Dejean-Jones sustained fractures to the third and fourth metacarpal bones in his left hand after falling on it after a dunk attempt.

“Got a steal, went up to dunk, came down wrong and rolled over on my hand and broke the middle and ring finger,” Dejean-Jones said. “It was pretty disappointing. But I’m out here supporting my teammates. Everybody’s out here getting in shape, getting together. We should be good.”

Meanwhile, Dejean-Jones has kept himself busy by putting up between 500 to 700 shots a day with his right hand at practice each day (See video above). He believes the extra shooting will help him once he returns.

— Steve Guiremand/MyLVsports.com