Ike Smith to Seek Medical Hardship Waiver
2/11/2019 11:18:00 AM | Men's Basketball
The senior has been out since December.
STATESBORO, Ga. – Georgia Southern men's basketball coach Mark Byington announced today that Ike Smith will sit out the rest of the season and seek a medical hardship waiver to regain a year of eligibility.
"We definitely wish Ike was able to play again this season, but this is the best thing for him," said Byington. "I believe Ike is one the top players in the Sun Belt, but even without Ike, I feel we can still win a championship. He is progressing well in his rehab and will be 100 percent recovered by next year."
Smith, who has amassed 1,480 career points and 492 rebounds, played in the first 10 games of the season and averaged 14.7 points and 5.7 boards for the Eagles, and Georgia Southern is 7-7 since he has been out. Injuries have kept the Eagles from having their full roster available for any game this season, and opening day starters have missed a combined 19 contests.
The Eagles finish the regular season with five of seven games at home, starting Wednesday when they host South Alabama in Hanner Fieldhouse. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+. Troy makes its annual visit to Hanner Friday, and the game is set for a late 9 p.m. tipoff and will air on ESPN2.
"We definitely wish Ike was able to play again this season, but this is the best thing for him," said Byington. "I believe Ike is one the top players in the Sun Belt, but even without Ike, I feel we can still win a championship. He is progressing well in his rehab and will be 100 percent recovered by next year."
Smith, who has amassed 1,480 career points and 492 rebounds, played in the first 10 games of the season and averaged 14.7 points and 5.7 boards for the Eagles, and Georgia Southern is 7-7 since he has been out. Injuries have kept the Eagles from having their full roster available for any game this season, and opening day starters have missed a combined 19 contests.
The Eagles finish the regular season with five of seven games at home, starting Wednesday when they host South Alabama in Hanner Fieldhouse. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+. Troy makes its annual visit to Hanner Friday, and the game is set for a late 9 p.m. tipoff and will air on ESPN2.
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