The foot injury that has sidelined UConn freshman Eric Reibe since his return from international duty appears to be nearing its end. The 7-footer represented Germany at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland, where he helped lead his team to a silver medal finish. However, that success came at a cost, as Reibe has been limited in practice ever since returning to campus.

When Will Eric Reibe Return to Full Practice?

Reporting from UConn’s open practice, CT Insider’s David Borges provided an encouraging update on Reibe’s recovery timeline.

Borges posted on X: “Freshman center Eric Reibe has been dealing with a foot injury since returning from the U19 Worlds, but he should be back practicing next week.”

While Reibe has not been a full participant in recent practice sessions, the update suggests his injury is not serious enough to threaten his availability for the upcoming season. Head coach Dan Hurley and his staff are expected to take a cautious approach with the big man’s return, gradually increasing his workload as UConn prepares for its challenging 2025-26 campaign.

How Did Reibe Perform at the U19 World Cup?

The injury that has limited Reibe’s practice participation came after an impressive showing with Team Germany at the U19 World Cup. Germany advanced all the way to the championship game, where they fell to the United States, 109-76, but not before Reibe established himself as one of the tournament’s standout performers.

In the gold medal game, Reibe contributed 16 points on 7-of-16 shooting from the field and 2-of-8 from three-point range. He also grabbed three rebounds and dished out two assists in the loss. However, his overall tournament numbers told the story of a breakout performance on the international stage.

Reibe averaged 15.4 points per game while shooting an efficient 59 percent from the field throughout the tournament. He also contributed 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest, showcasing the versatility that made him an attractive recruit for the Huskies.

Two performances particularly stood out during Germany’s run to the final. Reibe closed the group stage with a 20-point, seven-rebound effort against Canada, then followed that up with his most dominant showing in the Round of 16. Against Serbia, he scored 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds while shooting a remarkable 10-of-12 from the field.

Even in the championship game loss, Reibe displayed the skills that have UConn coaches excited about his potential. He scored over 7-foot-3 Purdue commit Daniel Jacobsen and connected on a three-pointer after executing a smooth between-the-legs dribble. His only notable mistake came when he was assessed an unsportsmanlike foul early in the second half while defending Koa Peat.

What Role Will Reibe Play for UConn This Season?

Hurley and members of the UConn coaching staff were in attendance for portions of the U19 World Cup, witnessing Reibe’s performances alongside German basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki. What they saw likely reinforced their belief in the freshman’s potential impact.

Keep Reading: After Rewatching Full Season, Dan Hurley Publicly Admits What Derailed UConn’s 2024-25 Campaign

Reibe projects as a key rotation player for the Huskies in 2025-26, most likely serving as the primary backup to Michigan transfer Tarris Reed Jr. at the center position. While his defensive fundamentals will need refinement at the college level, his offensive versatility and 7-foot frame make him a valuable asset for a UConn team with championship aspirations.

The timing of Reibe’s expected return to full practice could not be better for the Huskies. UConn faces a demanding non-conference schedule that includes high-profile matchups against Arizona and games featuring top prospects like AJ Dybantsa and Peat. Having a healthy and game-ready Reibe available for those contests will provide Hurley with additional depth and flexibility in his rotation.