FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas sophomore forward Vincent Hunter is doubtful for Friday’s season-opener, but could still play this season, according to trainer Dave England.

            Hunter injured his left knee early in the second half of Saturday’s exhibition game victory over LSU-Shreveport.

            Results of an MRI on Monday showed a small tear in the cartilage and a bone bruise, but no ligament damage.

            Hunter is doubtful for Friday’s 7:05 p.m. opener against Portland State and is questionable for next week’s Maui Invitational. His status for returning to practice is day-to-day.      

            “Considering how serious it could have been, this is actually good news,” head coach Stan Heath says. “It could have been better without the tear in the cartilage, but it also could have been a lot worse. He worked hard to come back from his shoulder injury last year and I know he will work hard to come back from this. We look forward to having him back on the floor as soon as possible because he will help us.”

            The Little Rock native missed all of last season after suffering a shoulder injury in the Red-White Game and undergoing surgery. He first injured the shoulder five games into the 2004 season and missed the next four games. He started nine games for the year and played in 24, averaging 3.8 points and 3.2 rebounds. Prior to the injury, he averaged 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds.

            In his first game action since last year’s Red-White Game, he had 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots in this year’s Red-White Game.

            In the exhibition opener against Southwest (Mo.) Baptist on Nov. 4, he had 10 points and four rebounds in 18 minutes.