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He was, again, a no-go.

Considering it’s already mid-October and Krivas is the Wildcats’ projected starting center, needed to anchor the post after all-league center Oumar Ballo took off for Indiana, that’s probably not a great sign for the Wildcats.

But the 7-foot sophomore from Lithuania expressed patience and optimism with what he said was an ankle injury despite being still uncertain if he might be able to play in the Wildcats’ two upcoming exhibition games, the first on Oct. 21 against Eastern New Mexico.

“It depends on what the doctor says,� Krivas said. “If they say I’m good to go, I’ll play. It’s not my decision.�

Krivas said he was sidelined after practicing briefly with the Wildcats upon returning to campus late last summer. He had been playing almost nonstop until then: After averaging 5.4 points and 4.2 rebounds off the bench as a UA freshman last season, Krivas played a standout role for Lithuania in the U20 EuroBasket event last July, averaging 13.7 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks while shooting 59.6%.

Then, he returned to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ before the injury set in.

“I was practicing (at UA) for two, three weeks and then it started,� Krivas said.

Krivas said he has been able to lift weights, do some limited individual workouts and spend time with his teammates. He said he hasn’t had an injury like this one before, but didn’t say it was frustrating, even considering the opportunity he has ahead this season.

“I try to look at it from positive perspective,� Krivas said. “It’s just a little hold back. I hope I will get back better.�

Once he does return, Krivas said he’s confident that what he’s been through will help.

“Last season gave me a lot of experience,� Krivas said. “It showed what what NCAA basketball is like. So I think I’ll be much better, and I just can’t wait to play.�

Veesaar at full steamAfter having what was an especially long layoff, Estonian forward Henri Veesaar said he’s well-prepared for what will be his third season in college basketball and second season on the court.

Veesaar played a reserve role as a freshman in 2022-23, initially challenging for a spot in the rotation, but suffered a dislocated right elbow in a freak golf cart accident during a preseason event a year ago.

Veesaar declined to say exactly what happened but said his arm is completely back to normal, despite some initial adjustments when he was cleared to practice starting last January.

“It definitely took a little bit of time,� Veesaar said. “But I learned to keep my elbow back up, and I feel like ever since the end of the season, I was already able to work out and lift. I basically had a double off-season just to get better.�

Veesaar actually could have rejoined the Wildcats in January but at that point the decision was made to keep him out the rest of the season, since UA already had its rotation set and Veesaar still working his way back. Veesaar now has an additional season of eligibility to play college basketball in 2026-27 if he chooses.

Veesaar said he discussed the plan with UA coach Tommy Lloyd and ultimately had no trouble with it.

“I always want to play, but we were looking at it what’s best for me, what’s best for the team,� Veesaar said. “At that point, I would have not played for two months. It would be very hard to come back and immediately be ready for it. It takes time, right?�

Instead, Veesaar completed his first “off seasonâ€� working with the Wildcats behind the scenes during the second half of last season, and spent all but a week and a half in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ for the real off-season. He returned briefly home to Estonia over the summer, playing in one exhibition game with his national team.

Green monster

During the half-hour portion of practice that media were allowed to view Friday, the Wildcats displayed fast-moving energy and enthusiasm, with players, managers and staffers cheering as they lined almost completely around two sides of the court for opening skill tests and half-court drills.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ has 11 scholarship players and nine walk-ons, allowing the projected rotation players to work together against the “Green Teamâ€� of walk-ons and other subs (who often wear green jerseys.) Early in Friday’s practice, the key players worked out on defensive close-outs against top walk-ons that included Liam Lloyd, Will Menaugh and Grant Weitman.

It’s a different scene for Lloyd, the son of Tommy Lloyd, who started the past two seasons at NAU.

“We rotate in different guys,� Liam Lloyd said. “Some guys play more than others but that’s kind of how it works.�