"Little bit of a mishap": Solo Ball reacts to Liam McNeeley injury as Dan Hurley's UConn plans next move after DePaul win

UConn guard Solo Ball reacted to Liam McNeeley's ankle injury after the win against DePaul. Ball, who sizzled for 22 points on seven 3-pointers, said on Tuesday after the Huskies 81-68 win over DePaul that the injury was a "little bit of a mishap."

He hopes that he and his teammates will pick up McNeeley's role and help the team earn a victory in his absence.

“Little bit of a mishap, but it’s just the next man up mentality,” Ball told reporters after the game per AP. “We know all the work that we put in in practice that everyone is prepared. We make sure that the next man up is always ready.”

The 6-foot-7 five-star freshman sustained the injury when he collided with DePaul guard Layden Blocker for the loose ball. He was helped off the floor and finished with nine points and six rebounds in over 25 minutes of action for the No. 11 UConn (11-3, 3-0 in Big East).

McNeeley is set to have an MRI on Thursday to determine the extent of his right ankle injury. Huskies coach Dan Hurley hopes that it's just a minor sprain.

The Richardson, Texas native is averaging 13.6 points and 5.8 rebounds for the defending champions before suffering the injury. He scored a career-high 26 points in UConn's 77-71 win against Gonzaga on Dec. 14.

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Jaylin Stewart, Jayden Ross to play small forward in place of Liam McNeeley

Liam McNeeley's injury is a big opportunity for sophomore forwards Jaylin Stewart, Jayden Ross and even freshman Isaiah Abraham to take his place in UConn's upcoming games.

Stewart and Ross are part of Dan Hurley's rotation and are consistent contributors for UConn this season. They provide instant offense off the bench whenever they get called up.

Stewart averages 5.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. His season-high is 16 points which he achieved twice against Maryland Eastern Shore and Memphis. He also scored 10 points against Gonzaga in the Hall of Fame Series.

Ross has tallied 4.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 1.4 apg in 13 games and scored 14 points against New Hampshire. Ross contributed four points, two rebounds, one steal and two blocks against DePaul on Tuesday.

Stewart or Ross could be chosen to start at small forward for Dan Hurley if physicians wouldn't give McNeeley the go-signal to play against Providence on Sunday.

Abraham, who has appeared in six games for UConn, could also have a chance to play as small forward if the veteran coach gives him spot minutes. The freshman has averaged 2.3 ppg.

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Who will UConn coach Dan Hurley start if Liam McNeeley is sidelined for several games due to an ankle injury? Let us know your insights in the comments section.