UW’s Appleby out 4-6 weeks

SEATTLE — Ryan Appleby, Washington’s sharp-shooting guard from Stanwood, will start his senior season as a spectator.

Appleby, who last year set a school record with 84 three-point field goals, will miss up to six weeks after fracturing his thumb battling for a rebound at practice Wednesday.

“It is unfortunate to have something like this happen, but the good news is that Ryan shouldn’t miss too many games,” Washington coach Lorenzo Romar said at Pac-10 media day in Los Angeles. “Forget about the impact this has on our program. We’re more concerned that Ryan returns for his senior season. You don’t want something like this to happen to anyone their senior year.”

Appleby said that he is scheduled to have surgery on his right (shooting) hand today, and thinks he could be back sooner than expected.

“They told me six weeks, but I think I’ll be back sooner than that,” he said.

If Appleby is out six weeks from today’s surgery, that would keep him out until December 14, meaning he would miss the preseason NIT and also games against Long Beach State, Oklahoma State and Pittsburgh. Pac-10 play doesn’t begin until January 5.

While disappointed to be starting the season with an injury, Appleby said his spirits are still high.

“It’s hard, but it’s kind of part of the sport” he said. “Everybody gets to it eventually. I’ve just got to deal with it and try to get back on the court as soon as I can.”