Georgia Tech forward Robert Carter Jr. ‘probable’ to return on Saturday against Virginia

Dec 3, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets forward Robert Carter, Jr. (4) celebrates after beating the Illinois Fighting Illini at Hank McCamish Pavilion. Georgia Tech won 67-64. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

In the midst of the whirlwind of information surrounding Georgia Tech’s dismissal of Solomon Poole from the program on Monday, there was a bit of fantastically good news unearthed by Brian Gregory in his afternoon press conference.

Gregory announced that sophomore forward Robert Carter Jr. would return to a near-full practice on Monday, and if all goes well, he could suit up as early as Tuesday against Clemson, with a “probable” return against Virginia on Saturday. This is massive news for the program, and it’s a pretty significant surprise given that the latest rumblings surrounding Carter’s potential return were simply hopeful about being back before the end of the campaign.

The 6-foot-8 Carter Jr. was arguably the best player on the Tech roster before his injury, as he was a double-double machine, averaging 10.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game (with more than a block and a steal per game) in just over 26 minutes of playing time per contest. It is safe to assume that Coach Gregory will be careful when allotting minutes for Carter in his potential return, but combining him with the resurgent Daniel Miller would greatly improve the frontcourt play.

Most importantly, this is great news for the player, as Carter Jr. has a bright future ahead of him, and in the process, Tech would have nine scholarship players available whenever he returns.

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