Wolfpack hopeful about C.J. Williams' shoulder

N.C. State guard C.J. Williams did not practice Friday but Wolfpack coach Mark Gottfried is hopeful Williams will play at Miami on Sunday.

Williams, a senior, injured his right shoulder in the second half of N.C. State's 76-62 win over Boston College on Thursday night. Williams watched the final 9 minutes and 16 seconds from the bench with his shoulder wrapped and iced.

"We're going to watch him for 24 hours and see how he responds," Gottfried said Friday. "Right now, it's doubtful, but we're hoping that he will be able to play."

Gottfried said Williams told him he felt a "pop" in his shoulder while defending on the possession before he left the court.

Williams has been one of State's most improved players in his senior season. His scoring average (12.1 points per game) has jumped almost eight points per game and he has emerged as the team's best defender and leader.

Williams has started every game and also averages 4.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.

Gottfried has been using a seven-man rotation, with senior Alex Johnson as the only guard off the bench. Gottfried said Johnson would likely start against the Hurricanes on Sunday if Williams can't play.

Freshman wing Tyler Harris would also get more playing time, Gottfried said.

"We're a team that can't afford injuries but if he can't play, we have to respond and find another avenue," Gottfried said.