Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor, July 28, 2015
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) Illinois point guard Tracy Abrams will miss a second straight season after tearing an Achilles tendon.
Coach John Groce said Tuesday that Abrams tore his left Achilles during practice Monday. Abrams, who averaged 10.7 points in 2013-14, missed last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
?First of all, my heart goes out to Tracy,? head coach John Groce said in a team release. ?He went through so much the last 10 months fighting back from a torn ACL to return to the court this summer in preparation for the upcoming season. So this is obviously a very difficult time for him right now. But I?ve said it before that Tracy has the heart of a champion, and I know that he will handle this latest setback with the same courage and resolve in making a full recovery.?
Illinois could ask the NCAA to give the senior another year of eligibility.
The injury leaves Illinois with junior Jaylon Tate starting at point guard. Tate shared the spot last season in Abrams' absence, averaging three assists and 3.6 points per game.
Incoming freshman Jalen Coleman-Lands could also play point guard but is out with a stress fracture in his left leg. Groce has said the injury will be re-evaluated this fall.
Thanks to all of the coaches, players and former players who reached out today wishing @_TA13 a speedy recovery. #class
— John Groce (@JohnGroce) July 29, 2015
