Wrapping Up 2023 – Saddest Injuries That NCAA Men Basketball Athletes Suffered

The credit goes to NCAA men’s basketball athletes. Throughout their highs and lows, they have maintained a fighting spirit and given their best on court. Though injuries have plagued them this season, it hasn’t stopped their courageous attitude.

Some of them might be out of the game for now, or in some cases even for the entire season, but that hasn’t discouraged them from going into rehab and following the medical treatment for making a strong comeback. Their competitive spirits will be more evident when we analyze their difficult circumstances. 

Donovan Clingan, UConn Huskies

The University of Connecticut Huskies center Donovan Clingan was going great in this year’s NCAA season before he suffered an injury. He was wounded during the second half of the game against the Seton Hall. As per reports, he has injured his tendon in the right foot. As per ESPN the head coach Dan Hurley revealed that Clingan did “have some pain”. 

Though Clingan could only play 14 minutes, he smashed 14 points in the game with 7 rebounds. Thus, he contributed his best to the contest. Other than that, Clingan’s exceptional performances this season came against the New Hampshire Wildcats when he besotted a season high of 29 points. As per ESPN, the Huskies announced that Clingan would miss around 3-4 weeks before participating again in the tournament. Fans would be hoping for his speedy recovery since he is one of the best players the Huskies have this season.

Chucky Hepburn, Wisconsin Badgers 

The Wisconsin Badgers guard Chucky Hepburn suffered an injury to his lower body during their game against the Chicago State Cougars. He had to sit out the game before participating for a few minutes in the second half. As per their head coach Greg Gard (h/t: SB Nation) Hepburn was “walking around in the locker room a little bit,” and “he’ll be fine.”

Although Hepburn is not the most important player for the team, his contribution can be ignored. He has reached double figures in points scored five times this season. The season opener against the Arkansas State Red Wolves saw Hepburn notching up a season-high 20 points. Hopefully, he will make his return soon.

Cam’Ron Fletcher, Florida State Seminoles

The Florida State Seminoles guard Cam’Ron Fletcher suffered an injury to his knee and was sidelined for the entire season. It was the second consecutive year that he had nursed a wound in the foot and had to be out for the entire season. Fletcher suffered the injury during a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels. It was a disheartening moment for him and his fans because they were looking forward to seeing him perform his best this season.

He posted about the same on social media networking site Instagram and shared the saddening story reminding all that “it hasn’t been a full year since I’ve been fully healthy.” 

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His best performance this season had come against the Kennesaw State Owls when he soused 13 points with 5 rebounds. Even against the UNC, he looked to be a wall to crack as he nabbed 7 rebounds. Here’s wishing that he returns to the hardwood soon.

Xavier Johnson, Indiana Hoosiers

As per Fan Nation, the Indiana Hoosiers guard Xavier Johnson has been out of the season till now after he had a lower left leg injury. He was spotted wearing a walking boot. As per the same website, their head coach Mike Woodson expressed the lack of ascertained information in the situation by stating “He’s still going to be out. I don’t know how long,” on his radio show. 

Woodson also shared he would want his guard back as soon as possible and it would have been “nice to have him back soon.” Johnson had performed remarkably well during this year’s NCAA season, dropping a season-high 19 points against the Army Black Knights. The Hoosiers are going strong with a 9-3 tally and are placed at the top spot in the Big-10. If Johnson comes back this season, it would be the cherry on the cake for his team.

JJ Traynor, Louisville Cardinals

The Louisville Cardinals forward JJ Traynor hasn’t participated much in the season till now reportedly due to a shoulder injury. Traynor was a useful addition to the Cardinals and last played against the Virginia Tech Hokies. As per Kentucky Today, Traynor informed the head coach Kenny Payne post his warmups at the DePaul that he was injured. Payne wouldn’t have wanted this to happen since his team has already been at the losing end this season.

The Cardinals have an abysmal 5-7 tally and are positioned at the 9th spot in the ACC. Traynor had performed decently in the limited number of games he played, with his important contribution of 20 points coming during the game against the New Mexico State Aggies. The game was led into overtime which the Cardinals finally won. As for now, Payne would be looking to give his best in the remaining season and save himself from the backlash he has been receiving from fans.

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