Deon Lyle and Mustapha Traore, two of the best players on the Albany Patroons basketball team, were involved in a car accident in Albany on Friday afternoon, according to head coach Derrick Rowland.
“They’re pretty lucky to be OK,” Rowland said. “A little shaken up, and they’re bruised a little bit, but they’re OK.”
Rowland said Lyle and Traore were taken by ambulance to Albany Memorial Hospital and X-rays were negative. They were released Friday night. Lyle is still being evaluated for a possible concussion.
The Patroons (4-1) play tonight against the Atlantic City Gambits at Washington Avenue Armory. Traore averages 17 points per game and Lyle averages 10.4 points per contest.
“I’m going to find out more today when I see them this morning, but they’re not going to play,” Rowland said. “I don’t want to put them at any more risk, you know what I mean?”
However, Rowland said later it was possible Traore could play, depending on how he’s feeling. The Patroons also have a game Sunday at the Jamestown Jackals.
“The doctor said they would probably feel a lot worse this morning than they did yesterday,” Rowland said. “It puts us in a tough situation, but it’s a basketball game. I’m more concerned about their health.”
Rowland said the two-car accident occurred at the intersection of Western Avenue and Brevator Street in Albany. The players were coming back from dinner when a driver made a left turn in front of them, Rowland said.
“The other guy was 100 percent at fault,” said Rowland, who added the other driver was ticketed. Traore was driving his car, which was totaled.
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