Entering the season, last thing Jessica January thought would be an injury hindering her preseason Big East player of the year predictions.

Regardless, January has remained optimistic about her injury and rehab process. Before being sidelined with a broken finger, January was the leading-scorer on the team, averaging 15.3 points and 6.6 assists per game. The Blue Demons squad has stepped up and filled the void, going 11-1 since her injury.

“It’s a testament to the type of players coach Bruno recruits,” January said. “He recruits players that step up in the big moments. I’m really proud of my team.”

Bruno is positive about his star guards return in the coming weeks. After having surgery, doctors gauged January’s return at six to eight weeks — meaning she could  suit-up Feb. 19 against Marquette at the earliest.

“As a coach when I hear 6-8 weeks, I hear six I don’t hear eight,” Bruno jokingly said. “She’s been really working to put herself in the right physical condition to come back — she’ll be assessed in the next week. So, we’ll find out the 14th or 15th, in the best-case scenario she’s back against Marquette, the worst case we don’t know.”

At the end of the day, the doctors have the final call in January’s return.  As a fierce competitor and leader, January is staying in great shape and believes she’ll be back on the hardwood soon.

“It’s just a day-by-day thing,” January said. “If I had my choice I’d be back in practice right now, maybe even two weeks ago.”