Last season, there were a lot of players who missed considerable time due to injuries. A number of them are looking to return to make an impact in 2019-20. It is time to look at my All-Florence Nightingale team. These guys can be difference-makers if they return to their previous status.
Udoka Azubuike, Kansas Jayhawks
Azubuike suffered tore ligaments in his right hand which sidelined him most of last season. Azubuike played in just nine games, shooting over 70 percent from the field. If he is back at 100 percent, he can dominate. I believe the new rules, pushing the three-point line back, will help him get more space in the paint. Azubuike considered entering the NBA draft, but Bill Self was thrilled he opted to return to Lawrence.
Joshua Langford, Michigan State Spartans
Langford was sidelined with a stress fracture in his foot. He was averaging 15 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. before the injury. He was one of the best shooters in the Big Ten, making 40 percent or better from behind the 3-point line in each of his three seasons in East Lansing. His return to health would be a major plus for Tom Izzo, pairing him with Cassius Winston. What a difference-maker he would be for the Spartans.
Tristan Clark, Baylor Bears
Clark had left knee surgery, which sidelined him most of the season. Clark averaged 14.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.43 blocks and 1.6 assists per game in 29.8 minutes per game while starting Baylor's first 14 games last season. He led the nation with a 73.7 field goal percentage at the time of his injury, which was on pace to be the fourth-best single-season mark in NCAA Division I history. Scott Drew needs a healthy Clark back in his lineup.
Wynston Tabbs, Boston College Eagles
This guard got off to a good start for the Eagles. Tabbs became the first freshman in BC history to score at least 15 points in each of his first three games. He started 14 of the 15 games in which he appeared, but then missed 16 games due to injury -- including the final 14 games of the season. BC was 10-5 in games which he appeared; 4-12 in games he missed.
Rex Pflueger, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
If he can come back from a torn ACL, Pflueger would be an asset for Mike Brey. He would also provide leadership to a young team. He has been a consistent member of Mike Brey's rotation for the last four seasons. Pflueger came off the bench as a freshman, hitting the game winner against Stephen F. Austin in the 2016 NCAA tournament. Pflueger was averaging 8 ppg when he was hurt against Purdue last season.