James Blackmon Jr. to undergo knee surgery, likely out for the season
Indiana sophomore guard James Blackmon Jr. will undergo surgery on his right knee, the program announced today. Indiana did not release specifics of the injury, but did say that he is not expected to play again this season.
Blackmon Jr. missed significant time this offseason after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.
He averaged 15.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a freshman and explored his NBA options this past spring before opting to return for his sophomore season.
As a sophomore at Bishop Luers High School, Blackmon Jr. suffered a torn ACL in his left knee.
The full release from Indiana is available after the jump.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – After thorough testing and evaluation, it has been determined that the best solution for James Blackmon Jr., and his immediate and long-term health, is to undergo surgery on his right knee this afternoon that he injured last week in practice. He is second on the Hoosiers in scoring (15.8), which also ranks 10th in the Big Ten. He is third in the league in 3-point field goals made per game (2.8) and seventh in 3-point field goal percentage (46.3). In his two seasons with the Hoosiers, IU is 21-0 anytime he shoots 47.0 percent or higher from the field.
A final determination of his status could be known as early as later today (Jan. 5), but it is expected that he will not play again this season.
“This is a very tough outcome for our Indiana team, but most importantly for James,” said IU Coach Tom Crean. “He is establishing himself as one of the most elite guards in the country this season. I feel terrible for him and he has a tough road ahead of him but it is one he has been down before and we fully believe that this process will lead him to have an incredible future in the game at Indiana and well beyond. We look forward to helping him with his full recovery and I know he appreciates everyones thoughts, prayers and concerns.”
He had surgery this past summer on his left knee that kept him out of some summer workouts and had fully recovered.
Filed to: James Blackmon Jr.