''The range of motion is getting gradually better every day, and that's a positive sign,'' said the sophomore, whose wrist was wrapped tightly in an ice pack after the closed practice. ''There's been tremendous improvement every 24 hours.''

Marshall spent Friday night's game against Ohio sitting on the bench in a dapper black suit, tutoring freshman Stilman White whenever he checked out. White played 32 minutes - more than the previous six games combined - and had two points and six assists without a turnover.

''Last night after the game, I couldn't sleep,'' Marshall said. ''If it comes down to I'm not able to help my team and the best thing is for me to be in a suit, then that's what it'll be, and I'll still contribute the best I can.''

Marshall is averaging about eight points and 10 assists, and has scored in double figures six straight games. While forward Harrison Barnes and Tyler Zeller provide most of the scoring, it's Marshall who helms their fast-paced attack.

He was a second-team all-Atlantic Coast Conference pick whose 351 assists in 36 games represents the best season total in league history and fourth-most in NCAA history.

''Today is the first day he bounced the ball, today is the first day he caught a ball, today is the first day he shot a ball,'' Williams said. ''We kept him out of all the live stuff. Now we want to see if it bothers him or if it swells up or pains him.

''We'll do the same thing at shoot-around tomorrow,'' Williams said. ''Then, there are two things that have to happen. One, he has to feel comfortable that he's not hurt, and two, I have to decide can he be effective in a game with his situation.''

Kansas coach Bill Self said he would ''anticipate Marshall playing,'' and expects Taylor to be matched up against him. Taylor said he'll prepare the same way regardless of who is on the floor, which means pressuring on defense and cutting down passing lanes.

It's the same formula that Ohio used to nearly pull off an upset.