Cauley-Stein still harbors hope of playing for Kentucky in North Texas

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Injured center Willie Cauley-Stein still harbors fleeting hope that he will get on the floor during the Final Four, even though his ankle is still causing him pain.

Cauley-Stein said Friday that it would be up to him and his family whether he takes the floor against Wisconsin in the semifinals on Saturday night.

Cauley-Stein hurt his ankle against Kansas State in the Wildcats' NCAA tournament opener, but the 7-foot sophomore played through the pain in a win against Wichita State. He finally succumbed the following weekend against Louisville when he said he heard ''a pop.''

He did not play in a regional final victory against Michigan.

Cauley-Stein has started 18 of 36 games this season, averaging seven points and 6.2 rebounds.