Mikesell making progress in rehab after hip surgeries

Dayton junior participating in non-contact drills with team

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

Two Dayton Flyers who won’t see any game action this season continue to help the team in practice: junior forward Ryan Mikesell and freshman forward Obadiah Toppin.

Coach Anthony Grant provided updates on both players Monday when talking with the voice of the Flyers, Larry Hansgen, on the Anthony Grant Show on WHIO Radio.

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Mikesell had offseason surgeries on his hips to repair impingements and will redshirt this season.

“Ryan is continuing to get better every day,” Grant said. “I think it’s been a couple weeks where he’s been non-contact back on the floor with the guys. It’s been really difficult for him (missing games). He’s a guy that is one of the leaders even though he’s not playing. His voice and maturity, his understanding of what goes into winning, he’s been part of such a lot here. Him being back on the floor, sweating with the guys, getting back in shape, continuing to rehab, he’s excited. We’re being very cautious to make sure we don’t rush anything with him.”

🏀📲https://t.co/toZGEdsfIv— John Bedell (@JBedellWHIO) December 5, 2017

Toppin will sit out the season as an academic redshirt but will be able to practice with the team all season.

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“He’s got a tremendous upside,” Grant said. “If you ask the guys about his impact in practice, there are days where he looks really good. One of his biggest assets is he loves to play. He’s a competitor. He loves to work. He knows how to play hard. That’s a skill in itself, so to speak. We’re excited about the future with him as well.”

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