University of Georgia Athletics
Knee Injuries Sideline Dogs' Mercer For Season
February 12, 2007 | Men's Basketball
Mercer, a sophomore guard, injured his right knee with 9:45 remaining in Georgia’s win at South Carolina on Saturday. An MRI exam performed Sunday revealed that Mercer ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and also incurred a second-degree sprain of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his knee.
“This is a tough break for both Mike and our team,” Georgia head coach Dennis Felton said. “But both Mike and his teammates will fight to move forward. Mike’s spirits are good right now and I’m glad for that because, for the next six months, he will need to keep a positive attitude as he works to regain his strength and athleticism.
“Our team is faced with another challenge now. We will have to work with extra determination and togetherness to overcome the loss of Mike in our lineup. I have no doubt that we will do just that.”
Mercer is expected to recover fully from his injuries, according to team trainer Colby Pohlmann. He has begun rehabilitation with the UGA Sports Medicine department and is scheduled to undergo surgery on his knee in 10-14 days.
Mercer was the team’s second-leading scorer (13.6 ppg) and assist man (3.3 per game) and its leader in minutes played (29.3 per game). He was the Bulldogs’ only player to have started in all 23 games thus far.
Georgia (14-9, 6-5) ventures out of the Southeastern Conference schedule in its next game, when the Bulldogs play host to Kennesaw State (11-16, 7-8 in A-Sun) on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.