Last modified: Saturday, October 18, 2008 2:39 AM EDT Guard Weyinmi Efejuku (13) is one of five returning seniors for the Providence College men’s basketball team. Curry's return adds spice to Friars' prospects BY PETER GOBIS SUN CHRONICLE STAFF PROVIDENCE - The lightning rod for the Providence College Friars, Sharaud Curry, had the boot replaced from his twice broken foot in July. When his junior semester began in September, the hours spent in the pool rehabilitating the muscles and tendons allowed him to begin running. And on Friday, when "official" practice for the 2008-09 season began for the Friars under the watchful eye of new head coach Keno Davis, Curry was running from end line to end line. "I feel great, my body feels as good as it's felt in a while," said Curry. "My foot, it still bothers me. But, it's to the point where I can deal with it. Just from playing a month ago, I can feel the difference as far as my game - making certain cuts, my moves." The Friars were as wounded as Curry was last season. The 5-foot-10 point guard played in just one game, being declared a medical red-shirt and the Friars' stock plummeted on the floor - a 15-16 record overall, a 6-12 record in the Big East Conference, ouster in the first round of the Big East Tournament for the ninth time in 10 seasons and forcing the firing of Tim Welsh. Curry is back and so too are five seniors - Jeff Xavier, Geoff McDermott, Weyinimi Efejuku, Randall Hanke and Jon Kale - along with Davis, last year's NCAA Division I Coach of the Year at Drake. Gone is one graduate, Charlie Burch and gone is 6-foot-11 junior center Ray Hall, who underwent season and career-ending knee surgery. "I know so little about the medical side of injuries, nothing surprises me, there are a lot of unknowns," said Davis of Curry's foot. "He'd like to be back at mid-season form right now. We want him to be pain-free. As a coach, you tend to error on the side of caution and understand that we need guys for the long run. We don't need to get them out tomorrow, but for the Big East Conference." Two seasons ago Curry was an All-Big East Honorable Mention selection as a sophomore, leading the Friars in scoring (15.3) and assists (4.4), PC winning 18 games overall and going 8-8 in the Big East. Without Curry, the Friars alternated with Efejuku, Xavier, Brian McKenzie and departed transfer Dwain Williams in the backcourt - all of whom were off-guards. The lack of direction was evident, but Curry gives PC hope and a sense of direction. "I broke my foot twice in the same spot," said Curry. "You break it once and it's gonna be in your head. But, twice, it's 'oh, man.' At first it was tough, but after a while it was hard to stay positive. I started to get down. I couldn't wait to get healthy again." There is no timetable, nor minutes, set for Curry to be on the floor. Whether Curry plays six or eight minutes, 16 or 18 minutes or 36 minutes will depend on his foot. "I'm confident that I can go out and play basketball again. I'm not at the point where I don't think about it. "A month ago, I was still very cautious. But, by the time that the games start, I'll be ready. I'm just thinking about getting as healthy as I can. Me being the only point guard, I have to be ready. "It was tough sitting on the bench last year, knowing that I couldn't help. It was tough to watch. But now that the other guys got that experience, we're more versatile, other guys can handle the ball. "We still have to prove ourselves. We haven't done anything as far as the team - the guys are all hungry."