Special to The Sun
Florida forward Keith Stone will have season-ending surgery after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Saturday’s game at Georgia.
The Gators announced the news Sunday, one day after their 62-52 win in Athens and after Stone underwent an MRI that confirmed the damage. Stone will undergo surgery in the next several weeks.
The 6-foot-8 junior from Deerfield Beach averaged 6.1 points and 3.9 rebounds in 17 games this season, including 13 starts. Stone had come off the bench the last four SEC games and had yet to hit a field goal in league play (0-for-10 going), but he scored eight points in nine minutes Saturday before landing awkwardly on his left leg while trying to block a shot early in the second half against the Bulldogs.
“We’re really disappointed for Keith. You could see he was playing with confidence (Saturday), and you hate to see a guy go down at any time,” UF coach Mike White said.
Losing Stone leaves Florida short-handed in the frontcourt, where forward Chase Johnson transferred last month and big men Isaiah Stokes and Gorjok Gak have played sparingly because of injuries and fitness levels.
That sux! Prayers Stone’s surgery goes well, and his rehab goes even better. And at least it happen early enough in the year that perhaps Stone can still “prove his metal” during next season at U.F., for the 2020 NBA draft.
“prove his mettle.” And Keith Stone’s b-ball goals are still attainable. And that’s more than most can ask for… that and a quick recovery.
Get well soon young man! Your health is more important than our entertainment. Go Gators!!
Wonder if he’s played too much this year to get a medical redshirt. I just hope he doesn’t have the issues that Gak has been having for so long with his knees. It’s Egbunu’s lost season all over again. Will need some players to really step up in the front court big time.
Love Keith Stone, don’t know what was going on this year but here’s hoping everything works out.
Underachiver
Accurate, but not much compassion there. Is this Joel Roth, btw?
Yep.
All of Florida’s current big men are underachievers. They are all offensively challenged. I really don’t understand how they can be 6’8″ or bigger and not score at least 8-10 points a game. Just being in position on the offensive boards and getting a few offensive rebounds and a few low posts feeds and they all should score at least 8-10 points every game. They fact that they don’t and can’t tells me they do not want it.
Can’t find much to argue with there, except maybe the desire angle. Maybe they just don’t have the necessary skills. Either way, I hope Payne breaks the pattern.
Get well soon Keith. We will be pulling for your full and speedy recovery except for a few jerks. Your health is the most important thing and get your degree.
That jam Stone slammed down on the Dawgs showed what he’s capable of and hopefully he gets well fast and comes back with more of the same.
What’s wrong with The Gak?
Still recovering from offseason knee surgery.