White believes he’ll play Saturday; Iowa coach more cautious

IOWA CITY - Reporters swarmed Aaron White from the instant he walked into the Carver-Hawkeye Arena media room, yet this time the tone of questioning was different.

The Iowa senior forward, who ranks ninth on Iowa's historical scoring list, wasn't asked about his free-throw prowess or to break down the Hawkeyes' upcoming game against No. 5 Wisconsin. Instead, White was asked about a literal pain in his neck. And the questions quickly became a figurative pain in his neck as well.

'It's kind of funny. I woke yesterday morning and read an article that said I'm doubtful,” White said Thursday. 'It's just weird, because nobody's talked to me. I'm just taking it day-by-day. That's why I think Coach (Fran McCaffery) said day-to-day, and that's how I'm taking it. Each day I've been feeling better so hopefully Saturday, I'll be ready to go.”

White suffered a neck stinger last Saturday just four minutes into the Hawkeyes' game at Purdue. He left the court and retreated to the bench where he tried to loosen his neck and shoulder. White figured he could loosen it up better by playing, but after three minutes he left the floor for good. White, Iowa's leading scorer, left the game, and the Hawkeyes lost 67-63.

Iowa center Gabe Olaseni had a different health issue this week, and he instantly became an Internet sensation. Monday, the 6-foot-10 center blocked freshman Nicholas Baer's shot attempt, then fell on his left ankle. With only an off-day and a light practice scheduled, Olaseni was placed in a walking boot.

Tuesday, Olaseni wore the boot while riding the bus, and a fellow student snapped a picture of him. The picture took on a life of its own.

'It comes with the territory,” Olaseni said. 'If you play Division I sports, people care about your health and safety. So I just appreciate everyone's thoughts. I'll be ready for Saturday.”

Two crucial senior players, two injuries. But one important and intense situation for McCaffery. Olaseni will practice and should play with his sprained ankle. White's situation carries a far greater concern. Before Thursday's practice, he had yet to shoot or practice with the team.

White has played Wisconsin several times in his career, including last week's 82-50 disaster in Madison. He can compete without a full practice. But questions linger about whether his body could withstand any kind of impact.

'We really won't know until we go through what we go through (Thursday) and (Friday),” McCaffery said. 'Obviously he can run. It's the other stuff that could be problematic for him when he starts to play. We don't know.”

White's week has consisted of light movements aimed at relaxing his muscles. He's mixed ice and heat treatments. He doesn't shy from his goal of competing Saturday, saying, 'I expect to play.”

One reporter asked him if he would play in a game if it was held Thursday.

'It doesn't matter because we play Saturday,” White said.

White also has played in all 126 games in his Iowa career, including 105 consecutive starts. He's on track to set the Iowa record for most consecutive games played, which was set last year by Zach McCabe. White needs 12 to break it, which would come in the Big Ten Tournament.

'I always want to be there for my teammates, I always want to be there for my coaches,” White said. 'I take great pride in playing for my school and for my family and for myself. It's big that I've never missed a game, and I'm going to continue that Saturday.”

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