Two players returned to action for the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team yesterday, but three others sat out.

The Rainbow Warriors are hoping the numbers somehow work out as they prepare to open their Western Athletic Conference schedule by hosting Utah State on Saturday at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The additions at yesterday's practice were "Little Matt" Gibson and Milos Zivanovic. The subtractions were injured guards Matt Lojeski, Bobby Nash and Hiram Thompson.

The indefinite suspension of Gibson was lifted yesterday by Hawai'i head coach Riley Wallace. Gibson practiced yesterday for the first time since he was suspended Nov. 25 after a verbal altercation with UH coaches.

Wallace said Gibson's status for Saturday's game is still to be determined.

"He's been cleared to practice and it's day-to-day after this," Wallace said.

Gibson missed Hawai'i's last three games because of the suspension. The 6-foot-5 junior guard led the team in scoring last season with 13.0 points per game. He was a reserve in UH's first two games of this season, averaging 4.5 points per game.

Wallace restricted Gibson from talking to the media yesterday.

Hawai'i senior co-captain Deonte Tatum said the 'Bows greeted Gibson "with open arms" yesterday.

"He didn't have to say anything," Tatum said. "We all know what went down. As long as he's over it, we're over it. This is a family and he's one of our brothers."

The timing of Gibson's return is fortuitous for a suddenly slim backcourt.

Lojeski is Hawai'i's starting shooting guard, and Nash has been the primary backup. Both could not practice yesterday because of shoulder injuries.

"It's definitely good timing," Tatum said of Gibson's return. "He brings a spark to this team and he gives us another outside shooter."

Lojeski sustained a sprained left shoulder in a 58-52 loss at Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Saturday. He said he expects to be ready to play against Utah State.

"It's getting better every day, so if it keeps progressing like that, I'll definitely play," said Lojeski, who is third on the team in scoring with 13.6 points per game. "I just don't want to rush it and make it worse."

Nash's injury is more severe, and he is not expected to play Saturday. It involves loose cartilage and some possible ligament damage in his right (shooting) shoulder.

"It's painful every time I shoot or even play defense," said Nash, a 6-6 junior. "I was trying to play through it this whole time, but the pain is just unbearable now."

If the damage to his shoulder is severe enough, Nash could miss the rest of the season.

Wallace said Nash can still apply for a medical redshirt if he is not able to play the rest of this season.

"It's not what we want, because he's a big part of this team," Wallace said. "But if he can't play at all, then redshirt is the way to go."

Nash said he sustained the injury during an NCAA Summer League game.

"I didn't want to say anything; I just wanted to play through it," he said. "But basically, it's been affecting my whole demeanor on the court. Before, I used to be able to go to the (basket) and not really think about it. Now, I'm thinking about how much my shoulder is going to hurt if I do certain things."

Nash is averaging 5.8 points per game this season, but shooting just 30.6 percent from the field.

Wallace said Gibson's reinstatement had nothing to do with the injury situation.

"This is the pace we were looking at all along," Wallace said. "In fact, we were going to bring (Gibson) on the last road trip, but decided not to at the last minute."

In any case, Gibson will apparently have to work his way up. Most of his practice time yesterday came with the scout team.

"You can see how much energy he brings to the gym, even on the scout team," Nash said of Gibson. "Whether he starts or comes off the bench, he's going to play hard and help this team out."

Junior John Wilder took Lojeski's spot on the first team.

Thompson, a true freshman point guard, has an injury to the bottom of his right foot. He is scheduled to have it examined today.

Thompson has appeared in only one game this season, but is considered a valuable member of the scout team.

The scout team gained another player yesterday in Zivanovic. The 6-11 senior center has not practiced the last five weeks because of a fractured left thumb.

"He gives us a big presence in practice," Wallace said. "And once he gets back into shape, he can get into games in key spots to help us out because of his experience."

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.