Sophomore forward Justin Minaya of the University of South Carolina men’s basketball team is out “indefinitely” after electing to undergo surgery on his right knee.
Minaya – a 6-foot-5, 210-pound native of Harrington Park, New Jersey – injured his knee during practice on Sunday (November 25) and was on the bench during the Gamecocks’ loss to Wofford on Monday.
“A timetable for his return to activity will be announced following the surgical procedure,” a statement from the South Carolina athletics department noted.
Through five games this season – all starts – Minaya was averaging 7.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest. He is one of head coach Frank Martin’s top defensive players, and his injury further compounds South Carolina’s early season woes.
[su_dominion_video_scb]Minaya is expected to begin his rehabilitation work immediately upon completion of the procedure, and the Gamecock program announced that his “elected surgery requires the lesser amount of recovery time” of two surgical options Martin discussed with reporters earlier this week.
“Minor Setback … Major Comeback,” Minaya tweeted.
Minaya’s tweet drew supportive responses from well-wishers including Gamecock women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley and former Gamecock great Alex English.
“You will be back and better than ever!” English tweeted.
Gamecock fans certainly hope so … South Carolina has upcoming non-conference games against No. 7 Michigan (on the road) and at home against No. 4 Virginia and arch-rival Clemson. Then Martin’s team must navigate a brutal conference slate that includes top ten SEC east rivals Kentucky and Tennessee as well as N0. 8 Auburn and No. 25 Mississippi State.
That is the definition of a tough row to hoe …
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