2010 UCLA commit Josh Smith is nearing 100 percent after a partially tearing his pateller tendon nearly two months ago. Smith hopes to resume his normal minutes in the next week or so.

“I’ve been out for about six weeks,” he said. “It’s been a long process, but things are starting to look up now. I would say right now I’m about 95 percent.”

“I had about 12 points in the first game,” said Smith, “Then I had about 15 in the second game. I’ve just been feeling it out. It’s a little frustrating.”

Smith said he’s been in constant contact with Ben Howland and his staff. The Bruins’ sports medicine staff closely monitors Smith’s MRI’s.

“The coaches just tell me to take it easy and not to rush back too soon,” said Smith. “They said that I’ve got to be a little selfish with this because I have a scholarship, and I could hurt myself long term if I rush back. Coach Howland told me that I don’t have anything more to prove. Tuesday’s game will be my first time since the injury playing most of the game.”

Full story at HighSchoolHoop.com

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