By ADAM ZAGORIA
Alabama guard Nimari Burnett suffered a torn ACL during practice over the weekend and is underwent season-ending surgery on Tuesday in Birmingham.
“I’m in good spirits,” said Burnett, who transferred from Texas Tech in April.
One source close to Burnett said “He will come back better.”
Burnett averaged 5.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12 games while coming off the bench at Texas Tech.
“We are certainly disappointed for Nimari and his family,” head coach Nate Oats said. “Our program, his teammates and his family are going to support him throughout every step of the rehab process. Even though it’s a tough loss for us, I know Nimari’s work ethic combined with the fact he will be surrounded by the best of the best when it comes to our medical staff and team doctors gives me complete confidence that he will come back stronger and better than ever.”
Alabama already lost forward James Rojas to an ACL injury in June.
“We are disappointed to lose Rojas, but he is as tough as they come,” Oats said in June. “He had a similar injury two years ago on his right knee and responded well to the rehab process.
“I am confident that he will attack this rehab in an aggressive, similar fashion and will be surrounded by the best doctors, athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals to help him throughout the entire process. We are confident he will be available for us during the SEC season.”
Alabama went 26-7 last season and lost to UCLA in the Sweet 16.
The Tide are ranked No. 2 in the Athlon Sports Top 25.
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter
Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram
And Like ZAGS on Facebook
