…which is a precursor to a stress fracture in his right shin. He’s out indefinitely and all he can do is rest.
According to ESPN medical analysist Dr. Michael Kaplan, the MRI likely showed increased uptake in tibia (leg bone) suggesting a stress reaction. An overload or overuse type phenomenon occurs with inflammation and, ultimately, fatigue failure with stress fracture. This is a precursor condition to stress fracture. A period of rest is mandatory for tissues to quiet down or worsening injury will result.
The school issued a statement saying there is no timetable for his return and no further information on the injury was available. Coach Roy Williams said he would have no comment until Friday after he meets with Hansbrough and the medical staff.
“I expect he’ll be healthy and play [this season],” Gene Hansbrough said. “It’s still too early to tell. They don’t even have an exhibition for a week.”
North Carolina sits atop both the AP and the ESPN/USA Today polls. In fact, the top four is the same in both polls: 1) UNC, 2) UConn 3) Louisville and 4) UCLA.
Jay Bilas comments on the injury…
