Nardi hurting but hopeful

The Associated Press pens a long piece about the status of Mike Nardi today.

According to the report, Nardi is still in a lot of pain, but is optimistic about playing in the NCAA Tournament. The senior guard had missed most of Villanova's two games in the Big East Tournament last week in New York.

The story begins somewhat dramatically:

Mike Nardi plays with a brace on one ankle, tape on the other, at less than full speed, and unable to make cuts. In the Big East tournament, he was in agony.

Other than that, Nardi is fine.

After missing practice on Sunday, Nardi underwent a bone scan for his injured left ankle on Monday morning. No further damage was revealed, but the ankle is still sprained. He also still has a strained left calf muscle.

Nardi was able to practice today. Coach Jay Wright and Nardi both remain hopeful Mike will be ready to go against Kentucky on Friday. Villanova was given the latest possible game in round one, which gives Nardi as much time as possible to heal.

According to Nardi:

I think I've rested it enough. I can't change the way it feels. [...] I want to have an impact on this team and hopefully we can do some damage.

Villanova's first-round NCAA game against #8 Kentucky tips off at 9:40 p.m. Villanova time on Friday night.