Isaac Haas injury update: Brace approved, status still uncertain

Purdue center Isaac Haas is probably on the wrong side of uncertain to play against Texas Tech Friday night, but one big hurdle has been cleared.

Despite suffering a fractured right elbow against Cal State-Fullerton in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Purdue center Isaac Haas has maintained a desire to play. He warmed up before last Sunday’s game against Butler, but a brace that was not approved by the NCAA made any faint idea he could play with one arm a moot point.

Purdue mechanical engineering students were given the task of creating a brace for Haas, to maintain some hope he could play in Friday night’s Sweet 16 game against Texas Tech.

NCAA rule 1-26.2 prohibits the use of any non-pliable substance in a brace. That’s as much for the safety of the other players on the floor as anything, and NCAA senior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt recognizes technological advancements and an amended wording of that rule.

"Technology has improved materials used in braces, so now there will be more flexibility in applying the rule as long as the brace is fully covered and padded. Isaac and other players in similar circumstances should be able to play, as long as the brace is safe for all."

The brace Purdue’s engineering students created for Haas is devoid of metal and meets all other requirements. But coach Matt Painter has been consistent that Haas needs to be able to rebound with two hands and shoot free throws right-handed. As of Friday morning he has not be able to do those basic things, as pointed out by Painter via a text to ESPN’s Myron Medcalf.

“He needs to show he can do basic things to play,” Painter said via text. “[He] has not been able to do those things.”

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Haas’ spirit is clearly willing, as he doesn’t want his college career to end with an injury, and props to the Purdue students who have created a brace the NCAA will likely approve. But there are no signs he’ll be able to function as the Boilermakers’ second-leading scorer and rebounder needs to, which is the bottom line that will put Haas in street clothes (or warmup gear) against Texas Tech.