Arizona center Chase Jeter returns to practice, but is questionable for ASU game

Arizona center Chase Jeter has returned to practice this week but is questionable for Saturday’s game at Arizona State, head coach Sean Miller said Thursday at his weekly news conference.

Jeter, who missed last week’s homestand vs. Utah and Colorado with back spasms, has been limited to non-contact activities. Miller said last week that Jeter tweaked his back in the first practice back from the Oregon road trip.

Jeter has a history of back injuries, so the Wildcats are taking things slow.

“I really don’t know if he would be able to play, if he is able to play how much he’ll be able to play,” Miller said. “Where he’s at, we’re taking it one day at a time.”

Miller basically conceded that Stone Gettings will start against Arizona State. With Jeter out of the lineup, the Wildcats notched two of their best games from an offensive and rebounding perspective, benefitting from a 4-out, 1-in approach.

“When Stone’s in the game it gives us more space on drives,” Miller said. “The fact he started the last two games, sometimes that’s a bit of adjustment to be in there at the very beginning of each half. Just slow down and take what the defense gives, get more used to being in that role that he currently has.”

Miller also mentioned that Ira Lee is in line for a bigger role. The electric forward was a key part in the Wildcats’ dominant win over Colorado on Saturday, posting six points and seven rebounds in a season-high 26 minutes, as well as making several key defensive plays.

“Ira deserves more of an opportunity, especially based on his recent performances,” Miller said.