John Bryant Stabbed

SAN FRANCISCO – Standout Santa Clara center John Bryant was recovering Monday from stab wounds to the back stemming from an off-campus incident early Saturday, Santa Clara Police said.

“Yes, John Bryant was a victim of assault,” Santa Clara Police Sgt. Kurt Clarke said in a phone interview. “We don’t know specifically what transpired. It’s still under investigation. We are interviewing victims and witnesses.”

Bryant, who led the West Coast Conference in rebounds and blocked shots last season and was second in scoring, was moving around on his own Monday and expected to be playing again soon, the school said. Bryant, who will be evaluated in the coming days, will begin his senior season for the Broncos when practice starts next month.

Bryant was briefly hospitalized and Santa Clara coach Kerry Keating and members of his staff visited Bryant within 30 minutes of his admission, the school said.

“He’s up walking around and doing fine and is expected to be back on the basketball court soon,” spokeswoman Michelle Schmitt said Monday. “Kerry said John is going to class Tuesday. He doesn’t have classes Monday. He needs to see the trainer before getting back on the court.”

Bryant started 30 of 31 games last season as a junior, leading Santa Clara with averages of 18.0 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.
Bryant, who grew up in nearby San Pablo, worked hard this offseason to get in better shape, trimming his 6-foot-11 frame to 275 pounds.

“He is expected to make a full recovery,” Santa Clara athletic director Dan Coonan said in a statement. “Due to the ongoing investigation by the Santa Clara Police Department, the Santa Clara Athletics Department will have no further comment at this time.”