Padgett Will Miss Remainder of Year With Knee Surgery
February 21, 2006 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 21, 2006
Audio Clip
- All audio files require the latest version of the FREE Real Player.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville starting center David Padgett will miss the remainder of the season due to surgery necessary on his left knee.
Padgett underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test on Tuesday morning at Jewish Hospital on his knee, which has become inflamed recently from a sprain which occurred during an intrasquad scrimmage on Nov. 12. He returned to practice following that injury on Dec. 1 and has played in each of the Cardinals' 24 games since then. Over the last few weeks, he has rested during many practices and played in the Cards' games. The date for the surgery has not been scheduled.
"Over the last few days, his condition has deteriorated," said U of L Coach Rick Pitino. "The doctors say it's in his best interest to have the surgery now so he can begin the process of preparing for his return to the court."
The team's co-captain, Padgett is averaging 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds for the 16-9 Cardinals. He leads U of L in rebounding, blocked shots (34), field goal percentage (.582), free throws made (66-of-81, .815) and is the Cardinals' third leading scorer. He has scored in double figures in 16 games and has grabbed seven or more rebounds on 10 occasions. He scored a career-high 27 points against Connecticut on Jan. 21.
Padgett was also slowed this preseason when he broke a bone in his right foot during a pickup game on Sept. 19 and was sidelined for six weeks. He suffered a concussion early in the second half of the Cards' game against USF on Feb. 11, but had no ill effects after the injury.
