Tobe Awaka suffered a right ankle injury in the Tennessee basketball vs. Syracuse game on Monday and is doubtful to return, according to a UT spokesperson.
The Vols’ sophomore forward rolled his right ankle and limped into the lane after setting a screen in the opening minutes against the Orange. He limped off the court and left the game at the 17:36 mark.
Awaka was evaluated by UT doctor Chris Klenck initially. He left the bench and was down the tunnel with UT trainer Chad Newman and strength and conditioning coach Garrett Medenwald before returning to the bench.
UT used freshman forward J.P. Estrella as an early sub against Syracuse with Awaka injured.
Tennessee basketball already is without Freddie Dilione
Freddie Dilone will not play for Tennessee in the holiday tournament due to a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his left foot.
Dilione suffered the injury on Nov. 14 against Wofford at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. UT officially ruled him out Monday. He had an MRI on Wednesday.
Tobe Awaka is one of Tennessee basketball’s primary forwards
Tennessee relies on Awaka and junior Jonas Aidoo as its primary big men. Freshman Estrella and Cade Phillips play behind the returning duo.
Aidoo was averaging 7.0 points and 7.3 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game entering Monday. Awaka was averaging 5.0 points and 5.0 points in 11.7 minutes per game.
Phillips has typically been the third forward. He is averaging 6.7 minutes per game. Estrella averages 5.0 minutes per game, but did not play at Wisconsin.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it
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