JaQuan Lyle ruptured his Achilles tendon during the University of New Mexico Men’s Basketball team’s second practice of the season on Saturday, the team confirmed. The story was initially reported by Geoff Grammer of the Albuquerque Journal.
“I am going into this process trying to get 1% better every day, both physically and mentally, to be ready to compete next season,” Lyle said in a release. “I am so thankful to everyone for their thoughts and considerations. Go Lobos!”
He will undergo surgery this week, with the recovery expected to take six months and force him to miss the entire season. A transfer from Ohio State who sat out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, he was named to numerous preseason watch lists and expected to be a major contributor to a UNM team looking to return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since
“JaQuan has meant so much to our program in the short time he has been here,” head coach Paul Weir said in a statement. “Unfortunately this injury postpones his return to playing the game he loves. But his spirits have already turned incredibly positive and we look forward to supporting him in every way possible.”
Lyle was a four-star recruit out of high school and played his first two seasons for the Buckeyes, playing in 66 games with 54 starts. He averaged 11.3 points, 4.4 assists and four rebounds per game at OSU. Concern over his injury first surfaced during the football game against Liberty on Saturday. The basketball team was recognized on the field, and Lyle was seen wearing a walking boot. According the Mayo Clinic, surgery will be followed by physical therapy in order to strengthen the leg muscle.
“Ready for my guys to have a very exciting season,” Lyle said in a tweet. “Imma be with you guys every step of the way...this process is gonna be easier with the best family, teammates, coaches, and fan base supporting me..but most importantly with the man above, God.”
The Lobos will open their season on November 6 on the road against Cal State Northridge, followed by an exhibition at Dreamstyle Arena - The Pit against Northern New Mexico, before the first regular season home game on November 13 against Iona.
Cameron Goeldner is a sports beat reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers men’s soccer, women’s basketball, softball and the Albuquerque Isotopes, but also contributes content for baseball, basketball, football and track and field. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @goeldfinger.
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