Wildcats guard Brandon Williams out for season after knee surgery
Aug 7, 2019, 6:32 PM
Arizona guard Brandon Williams (2) drives past Oregon State forward Alfred Hollins during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona defeated Oregon State 82-71. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona Wildcats guard Brandon Williams will miss the entire 2019-20 season after having knee surgery.
“I want to thank my family, fans and the Arizona Basketball program for their continued support,” Williams said in a statement.
“I’ve overcome obstacles before in my life and will work with our strength and medical staffs to overcome this one. I’m dedicated to continuing my work in the classroom as a student, and I look forward to supporting my teammates and coaches as I spend this season focusing on my health.”
Head coach Sean Miller added that losing the sophomore for the year is “beyond disheartening.”
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Williams has been plagued by knee issues over the last few years.
In high school, he was forced to miss his junior season after having surgery due to osteochondritis dissecans, a congenital knee condition in which bone underneath the cartilage of a joint dies because of a lack of blood flow.
As a freshman last season, that same knee caused several issues that resulted in Williams missing six games and being less than 100% for others.
He was expected to start in the Wildcats’ backcourt alongside freshman point guard Nico Mannion, and even take start over point guard duties when Mannion wasn’t on the floor.
Williams averaged 11.4 points and 3.4 assists over 26 games (21 starts) during the 2018-19 season.
