Andre Wesson “Fine” After Losing Three Teeth, Will Play On Tuesday

Andre Wesson lost three teeth and missed three minutes of action. That's it.

Chris Holtmann expects him to play Tuesday night against Youngstown State, which will be just three days after his collision against Bucknell.

"He's fine and able to do everything we need him to do," Holtmann said on Monday. 

With 14:24 remaining in Ohio State's win against the Bison on Saturday, Wesson dove for a loose ball and ended up below a Bucknell player. The player above him fell on top of Wesson, which inadvertently led to his head careening off the floor. Wesson writhed in pain, kicking the court before eventually sitting up with his hands covering his mouth and headed to the locker room. Three teeth had been knocked out during the impact with the floor.

But just three minutes and eight seconds later, with the help of former hockey trainer and current basketball trainer Jeff Deits, Wesson re-entered the game with a mouthguard covering up where he had just lost three teeth. He played 29 minutes against Bucknell, scoring four points and grabbing nine rebounds.

Wesson will have more dental work done during Ohio State's mandatory off day on Wednesday, which Holtmann said might affect him for Thursday's practice. He also expects Wesson to play three days later against UCLA on Saturday after the dental procedures. 

Other than losing three teeth, which shouldn't be minimized, Holtmann said Wesson is in good health.

"Our medical staff's been on top of that," Holtmann said. "His head, neck and all that stuff, the stuff you get really concerned about, is all checked out fine."

Wesson has averaged 7.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 26.5 minutes per game this season.