Illinois guard Kendrick Nunn suffers thumb injury during practice

During his Big Ten Media Day press conference on Thursday morning, Illinois head coach John Groce told reporters that junior guard Kendrick Nunn recently suffered a left thumb injury during practice. Nunn, who was supposed to join teammate Malcolm Hill in Chicago as a team representative, stayed in Champaign to undergo further evaluation.

Groce didn't provide any further details, but Hill did mention that the injury happened while Nunn was going for a steal on defense.

High-profile injuries to Tracy Abrams (Achilles Tendon), Jalen Coleman-Lands (foot stress fracture), and Leron Black (meniscus tear) have unfortunately been the story of Illinois' offseason. Groce did, however, detail some good news in this department. Jaylon Tate (concussion) will be returning to practice on Friday while Black is already off crutches and participating in rehab sessions after his surgery.

Hopefully Nunn isn't out for a prolonged period of time because the Illini were going to be expecting a lot out of him this season. We'll make sure to keep you updated as the situation develops.