Then-sophomore forward Dwayne Smith drives to the basket against Temple last season, a game where he was one of only two Colonials to score in double figures. | File Photo
Men’s basketball junior forward Dwayne Smith is participating in team practices again after beginning the season unable to take the court with the Colonials because of concussion symptoms.
“Dwayne has begun participating in non-contact drills at practice. He remains day-to-day with no date set for full return,” a team spokesperson said,.
Smith led the Colonials in offensive rebounds last season, grabbing 81 off the boards, and his injury removes a dual threat from GW’s roster, sidelining a player that made solid contributions at both ends of the court last season. He finished last season second on the team in rebounding, averaging 5.1 per game. Smith earned a reputation for doing the “dirty work” for GW, finishing fourth on the team in steals, with 26, and posting 23 blocks. He netted a .400 field goal percentage on the season, grabbing 153 total rebounds and contributing 29 assists.
He was on the sidelines at both of GW’s open practices this season, unable to participate but remaining a visible presence. Smith has yet to compete in a game this season, a loss that’s created a hole in the low post for the Colonials, the team struggling to present a consistent front in the paint without Smith’s presence.
It’s a loss that head coach Mike Lonergan previously called frustrating, alluding to the limitations of evaluating his new team without one of its core members in the lineup.
The Colonials next head to Bowling Green, Ohio to continue play in the CBE Classic, taking on Detroit Nov. 21 at 5 p.m., Austin Peay Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. and Bowling Green Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
