Malachi Smith, Kobe Elvis could return to action vs. Davidson for Dayton Flyers

For the first time since November, Dayton Flyers point guard Malachi Smith warmed up in uniform Tuesday before a game against Davidson at UD Arena.

Smith sprained his left ankle Nov. 25 during a 79-75 loss to Brigham Young in the Battle 4 Atlantis. Dayton coach Anthony Grant said last week Smith had returned to practice in non-contact drills.

Throughout Grant’s tenure, players dressing in uniform are full participants in practice, though that doesn’t mean Smith will play Tuesday. Kobe Elvis, who injured his knee minutes before Smith in that game in the Bahamas, was in uniform for the first time Friday but did not play in Dayton’s 63-62 loss to Virginia Commonwealth.

Smith and Elvis have each missed the last 11 games. Dayton was 9-2 in that stretch. Smith also missed the first three games of the season with a right ankle injury. He also missed the last two games of the 2021-22 season after injuring his left ankle in the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament semifinals against Richmond.

If or when Smith and Elvis play, it will be the first time Dayton has its full roster of guards available at the same time this season. When Smith and Elvis were healthy for games against Robert Morris, Wisconsin, North Carolina State and BYU in November, Koby Brea was sidelined by an illness.

Malachi Smith and Kobe Elvis in uniform tonight for Dayton vs. Davidson. Neither have played since November. Elvis did dress for last game. pic.twitter.com/6W5NILlELQ
— David Jablonski (@DavidPJablonski) January 17, 2023