Nerlens Noel (3) is carried to the training room by teammates after injuring his knee in the second half of a loss to Florida Tuesday. (copyright/Victoria Graff photo)
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky men’s basketball freshman Nerlens Noel will be out for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL injury suffered during Tuesday night’s game at Florida.
According to the UK medical staff, surgery should be expected in the next two to three weeks. The normal timetable for recovery is estimated at six to eight months.
The 6-10 freshman was leading the nation in blocks (106) and blocks per game (4.4) and ranked second in the Southeastern Conference in rebounding (9.5). He was also averaging 10.5 points per game for the Wildcats.
16 Responses to Nerlens Noel Out for the Season
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Dang. I was afraid of that. I am so sorry for a young man who works so hard in practice and in games, but I have to believe that he will do everything in his power to come back from this injury and thrive. Now is the time for the BBN to support Nerlens and this team.
God speed recovery Noel!!!
Wish you a speedy recovery, Nerlens!
BBN is behind you through all of this.
Everyone in the BBN hurts for you Nerlens. You will always have a second home here in Kentucky. Thank you for what you have done for our program. It will never be forgotten.
I was hoping for something less severe…well. He is a hard worker and a great kid; he will be back with a force. We will more than likely see him in the blue and white again next season.
Just horrible news for a great kid who played his butt off
You got that right Larry, winning or losing in a game no one had to prod him to give more . You’d never know Uk was winning or losing the way he plays , just go go go. He has what it takes on the inside or to quote Jimmy Dykes “he has a big valentine” to make it back.
Larry V what does this do to his future and NBA draft? Is there a chance he could return next year and play another college year? With the talent inbound this may be the best choice for him.
Best to you Nerlens, hope all goes well in your recovery. Thank you or what you have one for BBN!
He is a kid who will work hard and bounce back quickly. My prayers are with you big guy.
Such a tough brake for a great kid. Another reason for those who can to leave early. Larry, didn’t DA come back sooner than 6 months? Also do you think he will still be drafted or will he return next year? I know it’s early for those questions but I was just wondering.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
GO BLUE OR STAY HOME
Nerlens is the back bone if this team, the spark plug, the blocking bulldozer. We will miss him the rest of the season, but the most important thing for our Nerlens is to take care of that ACL, do what the doctors say to do and get better. Looking forward to seeing him play again, with the twins next year. Can you imagine? BTW Larry, will this make his stock go down for the NBA? Prayers heading your way, Nerlens, keep a smile on your face, warmth in your heart and know the BBN loves ya, man!
It is amazing to me how some of the UK fans think that Noel returning to Kentucky for another year would be best for him. If they were honest, what they are suggesting would be “best” for him is, in reality what they think would be best for them, and the rest of the Wildcat fans.
I totally agree with what Matt Jones said on KSR this morning. Nerlens has already “risked” one year for the Big Blue Nation, and unfortunately, it came to this end. Why in the world, other than for our selfish desires, should he risk another year? No, he has paid his dues, as it were, and he has paid them very well; now he should concentrate “only” on what is in the best interest of one Nerlens Noel. Period.
If, for what ever reason, Nerlens were to decide that it is in “his” best interest to return to Kentucky for next season, I would welcome that. On the other hand, if he concludes that it is in his best interest to declare for the draft, go with God’s speed, and the blessings of at least this Cat fan.
Nerlens, we all have set-backs in life; albeit for most of us, not this severe. But it is in these times that we mature, and grow the most. If handled correctly, with a positive attitude, you will be much the better man because of it. That may be hard to see today, but when you talk to Derek Anderson he can help you put this into the proper perspective.
You are in our prayers, young man. May the Lord bless you through this time of trial.
Hey…..TheColoradoWildcat, ease up. We all want the best for Nerlens. The question is, what does this injury do to his NBA aspirations now. Who knows, another year at UK may benefit him. He and the NBA will have to detemine that. I wish him the best no matter what, and I think all Wildcat fans do.
Of course you are correct. The young man came to UK, I expect, with an ultimate goal of making millions in the NBA. A UL player blew out a knee last year, rehabed it all summer and blew out the other one in the first ten minutes of practice this year. As Matt Jones said, he has already risked his future this year. The decision should be his and his alone. Whatever he decides, I would wish him the best of luck.
We have our center for next year. Dakari Johnson is said to be the best center of all of next year’s players at that position. He has grown to 6 feet 10 inches and he is a hefty lad of 250 pounds and he still is in high school. I suppose the question might be, what would Calipari do with Johnson or Noel next year if they both came. You know that both expects to start and continue their high level draft projections. And what if Johnson decided to stay next year? What would Calipari do with Johnson when Towns comes.
People speculate about our other draft projected freshmen. I say that they have to go.
We’re all praying for Nerlen’s quick and complete recovery. The NBA is getting a very special player. Thanking him for all his hard work this year, he was fun to watch and we wish him the nothing but the best. It won’t be the same without him, but our players have something bigger to play for now – their beloved teammate!