Kentucky Freshman Nerlens Noel Out for Season with ACL Injury
Former No. 1 Recruit Suffered Injury in Loss to North Carolina
Noel Leaves Game in Charlotte with Non-Contact Injury
Kentucky freshman Nerlens Noel, the nation's leading shot blocker, suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Tuesday night's 69-52 loss to No. 1 North Carolina in the CBS Sports Classic. Noel tore the ligament in his left knee during a non-contact play with 14:50 remaining in the first half.
The 6-foot-11 center from Everett, Mass., averaged 10.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.4 blocks per game this season for the No. 7 Wildcats (9-4). He was a key member of Kentucky's national championship team last season, averaging 10.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.4 blocks per game.
Kentucky coach John Calipari said in a statement that he was "heartbroken" for Noel. "He is one of the finest young men I have ever coached, and he had worked so hard to come back from this injury," Calipari said.
Noel is expected to undergo surgery in the coming weeks. It is unclear how long he will be sidelined, but he could miss the entire 2013-14 season.
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