UConn's Solo Ball Not Cleared to Play Yet
The UConn men's basketball guard warmed up before Friday's win over Michigan but did not return to game action.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Basketball
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UConn men's basketball did not clear Solo Ball to return to play after the Huskies beat Michigan 85-77 at TD Garden on Friday night. Ball warmed up with his surgically repaired left wrist wrapped but did not play.
Why it matters
Ball played through a wrist injury last season and had surgery on the wrist in April, so his clearance timeline affects UConn's rotation as the season begins. Coach Dan Hurley has said the staff wants Ball fully ready before he pushes himself back too soon.
UConn beat Michigan 85-77 at TD Garden on Friday, while Ball, who had wrist surgery in April, warmed up but did not play. Clearance timing remains undetermined pending his next medical appointment in the coming weeks.
The players
Solo Ball
A UConn men's basketball guard whose recovery from left wrist surgery has determined his availability this season.
Dan Hurley
The head coach of UConn men's basketball, who has said Ball is not penalized for playing and wants him ready before returning too soon.
The details
Ball is progressing through non-live activities in practice, and Hurley said he is not penalized for playing through the injury. Ball went through a lot mentally and emotionally last year, and the program is weighing his readiness with medical staff before any return to live play.
Timeline
April: Ball underwent surgery on his left wrist.
Last season: Ball played through the wrist injury.
Friday, November 6, 2026: UConn beat Michigan 85-77; Ball warmed up but did not play.
In the next couple of weeks: Ball's next doctor's appointment.
Season Trajectory
New 5-in-5 legislation would allow Ball to play next season without redshirting, which could extend his college eligibility window if he misses time this year. Whether he returns this season or waits, his clearance will shape UConn's depth as it moves through the 2026-27 campaign.
Ball's status affects UConn's guard rotation, which matters for anyone tracking the team's depth this season. Whether he plays this year or in the 2027 season under 5-in-5 eligibility, his availability will shape the lineup until he is cleared.
The takeaway
Ball's recovery shows the value of waiting for medical clearance rather than rushing a return from injury. Hurley's emphasis on readiness suggests the program is prioritizing Ball's long-term health over an early comeback.
What happens next
Ball has another doctor's appointment in the next couple of weeks, when his clearance status is expected to be assessed with medical personnel.
Further reading
For more on the program's season, see our Basketball coverage of Connecticut teams.
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