When Nerlens Noel awkwardly fell to the ground in Tuesday's game against the Florida Gators, Kentucky fans held their breath. The team's and possibly college basketball's best player gripped his left knee, screaming in pain. After receiving an MRI on Wednesday, it was revealed Noel suffered a torn ACL and would miss the remainder of the season. He will have surgery in the next two to three weeks.
Noel chased down Florida's Mike Rosario on a fast break and attempted to block a shot with 8:03 left to play in the second half. He ended up landing awkwardly and slamming his knee into the basket support. He immediately grabbed his knee as trainers rushed over to help. Noel had to be carrier off the court by several teammates. He recieved X-rays later Tuesday that appeared to be negative, but the MRI showed the ligament damage.
The talented 6-foot-10 freshman was expected to be the next one-and-done player to attend Kentucky, many projecting him as a possible No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft next season. Noel led the nation in blocked shots, averaging 4.5 per game. In his previous five games, Noel registered 26 blocks. His size and defensive abilities had him being compared to last season's No. 1 pick, Anthony Davis, also from Kentucky.
Kentucky has been struggling this season after winning the National Championship last season. Sitting at 17-3 after a poor start to the season, the team had been on a surge of late, much due to Noel's defense. Entering Tuesday's game, he was coming off of three consecutive double-doubles and was named the SEC's top freshman four weeks in a row. with Noel out, it will be difficult for Kentucky to make a stong tournament run. This injury will require a lot of lineup shifting.
The ACL tear certainly all but diminishes Noel's chances of entering the draft at the end of the season. A projected recovery for an ACL tear can be eight months to a year. If he is able to come back at full strength a continue to show his basketball abilities, he could easily be the top pick in the 2014 draft, but as of now it looks like his hopes of turning pro in 2013 are over.