Keith Frazier returns to UTEP basketball team after brief absence

UTEP guard Keith Frazier has returned to the team after a ten-day leave of absence to address an undisclosed personal matter.

Frazier missed the team’s last three games, but is now expected to take the floor in UTEP’s next game Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Don Haskins Center against Florida Atlantic.

He was leading the team in scoring when he left prior to the team’s game against Rice. UTEP won that game but lost its next two on the road without Frazier to fall to 1-3 in conference play and 6-10 overall.

“You know, he’s a great player, so it’s good to see him back here,” said teammate Isiah Osborne. “He was a valuable part of our team, and I just hope he can come back where he left off and keep scoring.”

UTEP interim head coach Phil Johnson said he believes Frazier will be ready to go, but he will still be evaluating Frazier over the next couple of days to gauge his level of conditioning and readiness for competition.

“Well, he’s back practicing with us, and we’ll see how it goes. I think he’s in good spirits. I had a nice talk with him yesterday, and we’ll see how that goes,” said Johnson.

Johnson declined to elaborate on the personal issue that kept Frazier away from the team for the past ten days.

Frazier himself did not conduct a formal interview with the media Tuesday, but was seen joking and laughing with his teammates prior to practice.