Thunder notes: Collison suffers sprained ankle

Published: October 18, 2008

Nick Collison sprained his right ankle Friday and did not finish practice. Collison was battling what team officials called soreness in his left ankle in Tuesday night’s game, limiting him to 15 minutes against the Clippers.

Joe Smith rejoined the team at Friday’s practice but did not participate in full-contact drills after undergoing surgery to repair his fractured nose. Smith wore a bandage over his nose Friday and can’t return to full-contact action until receiving his tailor-made protective facemask.

Smith said doctors instructed him he would need to wear the facemask for four to six weeks.

Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie and assistant Glynn Cyprien visited practice Thursday. Gillispie was an assistant at Tulsa before becoming a head coach at UTEP, Texas A&M and Kentucky. Cyprien has coached several places, including Oklahoma State.

Carlesimo described Gillispie as a "poker buddy” on Nike basketball tours.

"I’ve admired P.J. for a long time,” Gillispie said. "They have a bunch of good, young players who will become superstars. P.J. is a great teacher. Obviously, everyone here is excited. I was told they’ve already sold out all the season tickets.”

Chris Wilcox practiced Friday with protective padding on his left shin. Wilcox was kneed in the leg in Monday’s game against Houston. ... Robert Swift practiced for the second straight day but sat out the final segments with soreness in his healing right hand. ...The team will practice today and is expected to take off Sunday before having an open practice for fans at the Ford Center.

BY DARNELL MAYBERRY AND MIKE BALDWIN

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