Georgetown coach John Thompson III told ESPN.com that Greg Whittington is ahead of schedule, but he won't decide for months whether the junior forward will be able to return this season from a torn ACL.
"I don't know," Thompson said. "We have no idea if he'll be back this year or not. ... No decision has been made."
Whittington was slated to be an integral part of the Hoyas this season after averaging 12.1 points and seven rebounds through the first 13 games of last season. He was deemed academically ineligible for the remainder of the season, and tore the ACL in his left knee back in June.
Thompson said he won't put Whittington on the court until he's 100 percent and cleared by the doctors.
"I'm going to prepare as though he's not coming back, because it's easier that way," Thompson said. "But we don't know at this point. Right now his rehab is going well and the doctors are saying he's ahead of schedule."
Whittington still has two seasons of eligibility remaining, whether he is ready at some point this season or sits out and returns in 2014-15.
Georgetown could certainly use the long and athletic forward with the early departure of Otto Porter to the NBA. The Hoyas return three starters -- seniors Markel Starks and Nate Lubick along with big man Mikael Hopkins. Sixth man D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera played starter's minutes the second half of the season, even though he came off the bench.