By R.L. Bynum
Andrew Platek’s season at Siena College is over after five games.
The former Carolina player had successful surgery Friday to repair a full tear in the Achilles tendon in his left leg and will be sidelined for the rest of the season, the school announced Monday.
Platek suffered the injury in the Saints’ Dec. 3 77–72 home loss to Manhattan and his recovery is expected to take four months.
“Unfortunately, with this injury, I will not be able to return this season,” Platek said through the school. “I’m looking forward to attacking my rehab and getting back to where I was physically so that I have the opportunity to go into next year at 100%.”
Platek averaged 9.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 20 minutes per game.
He received an initial waiver from the NCAA on Oct. 25 to begin practicing with the Saints (4–6) before having a second waiver granted him immediate eligibility to make his Siena debut on Nov. 19 at Georgetown. Reportedly, Platek didn’t play in Siena’s first three games because of participation in an unsanctioned summer league.
“It’s unfortunate news and we feel terribly for Andrew, especially after all the hard work he put in both on and off the court to get ready for this season,” Siena coach Carmen Maciariello said. “He loves his teammates and being a Saint, and we are hopeful that he’ll have an opportunity to wear the green and gold again next year. We wish Andrew a successful recovery.”
Platek scored in double figures with 12 points in Siena’s loss at Georgetown and 11 points in the Saints’ defeat at Bucknell.
Platek decided to play a fifth season at Siena after four seasons at Carolina, where he played 124 games and started 11 times. He scored 334 points and 46 3-pointers in his career as a Tar Heel.
Photo courtesy of Siena College
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