UH's Bass has partial tear of knee ligament

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	What: WAC football, Hawai'i (3-1, 2-0) at Boise State (3-1, 0-0) Kickoff: Saturday at 2:05 p.m. (HST) TV/Radio: Live on K5; game will be rebroadcast at 9 p.m./Live on 1420 AM

UH coach June Jones yesterday told reporters Bass is unlikely to play.

"Hopefully, I will," said Bass, who did not participate in yesterday's practice.

Bass, who was hurt in Saturday's 42-10 win over Southern Methodist, said his right knee feels better, and that "I'm going to test it out (today). We'll see how it goes."

Jones said Bass will not need surgery, and the best rehabilitation for the condition usually is rest.

Bass leads the Warriors in rushing with 206 yards in four games, an average of 7.9 per carry. He also is the team's punt returner.

Running back John West, a 1998 Leilehua High graduate who attended Yuba City (Calif.) College the past two years, has replaced Bass during workouts. West was a junior college All-America running back last year. He said he can run 40 yards in 4.35 seconds and bench press 365 pounds.

"Mike Bass is a great back, but I feel I'm prepared and ready for the opportunity," said West, who scored on an 8-yard run against SMU. "Now that I'm getting the chance, I can show people what I'm all about."

West, who signed a scholarship agreement last December and enrolled at UH in January, played well during spring practice. Bass missed spring practice while recovering from hernia surgery.

Jones said West's playing time has been limited, so far, while he masters the blocking schemes.

"I'm getting better at (blocking)," said West, adding he has received tips from Bass and Thero Mitchell.

"I'm taking the time out to watch films, to listen, to get mental reps," West said. "I'm getting a chance, and I'm going to be ready."

Jones said cornerback Abraham Elimimian's availability will be known by tomorrow, when the team departs by charter flight to Boise. Elimimian did not play last week because of a pulled right hamstring. He did not compete in contact drills yesterday.