Jerry Stackhouse provides update on Lee Dort’s injury recovery, timeline

Lee Dort is entering his second year with Vanderbilt but has a new challenge ahead of him. He dealt with an injury this offseason and is attempting to get back to full strength. Vanderbilt head coach Jerry Stackhouse saw Dort miss some time as a true freshman but it’s not known whether or not it’s the same injury.

Either way, Stackhouse provided an update on Dort, saying he is happy with the progress being made. Dort is in incredible shape according to Stackhouse, not something you would expect from someone dealing with an offseason injury.

“Lee Dort, he’s on the mend,” Stackhouse said on Wednesday during SEC Basketball Media Day. “He’s come a long way. Body looks great for a guy that has missed as much time as he has throughout the offseason. He’s done a great job of doing everything that he can to make sure he keeps his weight down.”

As for a specific timeline, somewhere around a month is where Stackhouse thinks Dort stands. Having the big man prepared to face Presbyterian on Nov. 7 would be great but realistically, he will not be 100% by then.

“He’s probably three, four weeks away,” Stackhouse said. “We’re hoping he’s ready to go by Opening Day but we’re not going to force it. I think it’s more important for us to be smart and not have any setbacks. Really, we could have him at full throttle by SEC play. I would think that’s more of a realistic goal.”

Jerry Stackhouse explains how Lee Dort affects team throughout ’23-24 season

Vanderbilt will begin SEC play on Jan. 6, facing off against Alabama in Nashville. Stackhouse still has a full nonconference slate to manage though, having 13 games prior to the Crimson Tide. Key games include the ACC/SEC Challenge vs. Boston College, an MTE against Texas Tech, and the in-state matchup vs. Memphis.

While having Dort back for those types of games, Stackhouse believes Vanderbilt can get through them without him. He likes the roster’s depth and versatility. But when SEC opponents start popping up, Dort is going to be needed.

“I think we have the ability and depth to play some versatile styles that we can do without him right now,” Stackhouse said. “But he’s definitely a big body that we need, especially from a rim protection standpoint. Just his overall presence. He’s a really good player and I know he’s anxious to show that.”