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UAB falls in exhibition as key freshman sits out with injury

Chattanooga UAB Basketball

UAB coach Jerod Haase reacts to play against Chattanooga during the first half of an NCAA basketball game in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013. (AP Photo/AL.com, Mark Almond) MAGS OIUT

AP

UAB got off to a tough start to its exhibition season on Friday night, as the Blazers fell to Division II UNC Pembroke 72-71. But if there is a silver lining its that UAB was without key freshman William “Haha” Lee in the loss, as the freshman forward is sitting out with a knee injury.

According to Nick Birdsong of Alabama.com, the 6-foot-9 Lee has been out for much of the preseason and head coach Jarod Haase is looking forward to having him in the lineup.

“I’m optimistic,” Haase said to Birdsong. “Good things are happening with the knee. He’s in a great frame of mind. I think he’s getting better all the time.”

Although Lee is progressing from the knee injury, he still isn’t in position to play, as Haase reiterated that his freshman forward isn’t prepared yet.

“I’m optimistic he’ll be back some point in the near future. I don’t think it’s in the next couple days certainly,” Haase said of Birdsong.

Without Lee, the Blazers are missing a dynamic athlete who can change the game on both ends of the floor on the interior. Lee is a bouncy and active forward who should rebound and score around the basket to begin his college career.

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