DaShonte Riley Opting for Surgery

Late Friday news came out that Syracuse University center DaShonte Riley will be undergoing surgery to mend his injured right foot. The injury is believed to be an old fracture, possibly even suffered late last season. Trainer Brad Pike said the surgery will either remove a bone fragment or "fixate the bone."

This essentially will end the 7' sophomore's season and leave Syracuse extremely thin at the center spot. The Orangemen now will have to rely on incoming freshman Fabricio de Melo to fill the shoes left by center Arinze Onuaku (graduated) and the now injured Riley.

Head coach Jim Boeheim said "Ricky's going to play forward for the most part this year, if not all the time. Which leaves us with the two freshmen." The other freshman Boeheim alluded to is Baye Moussa Keita out of Oak Hill Academy. Many saw Keita's freshman year at Syracuse to be spent learning and watching from the bench while adding much needed muscle, however now he may be required to play a much larger role this season.

Keita, who was born in Senegal, is 6'11" and roughly 210 pounds. The offensive side of his game has been described as "raw," however he is very athletic and runs the floor very well. He has a very long wingspan which will fit in great in the 2-3 zone for the Orangemen, and is a very sound shot blocker and a great jumper. He needs to add muscle to his 6'11" frame if he wants to compete inside with the very physical centers in the Big East. While many observers hoped that Baye Moussa Keita would get this season to increase his strength and offensive game, it has become clear that he will not be afforded that opportunity.

While there is a possibility for a January return for DaShonte Riley, it is unlikely that it occurs. Riley expressed concern of his own for a January return, stating "I don't know what kind of condition and what kind of shape I'll be in January. So, more than likely, I'll take the year off."

And just like that Fab Melo is our starting center for 2010/2011.

DaShonte Riley Injured, Could Miss Season

News out of Syracuse today tells us DaShonte Riley has injured his foot and it could require surgery. Earlier this week my cousin, who is currently enrolled at SU, informed me he saw Dashonte Riley on campus in a walking boot. This news confirms that tip, and Jim Boeheim has said the injury is similar to a stress fracture. Boeheim said the two options are surgery, or to wait and hope it heals on its own in time to play this season. The decision is said to come at the end of next week. No word yet on whether or not ESPN will cover the decision live.

DaShonte Riley was among the candidates to start at center on November 12th when the Orangemen basketball season tips-off against Northern Iowa. If Riley is forced to miss the entire 2010-2011 season he will be eligible for a medical redshirt.

Syracuse is left with incoming Freshman Fabricio de Melo (7'0" 265lbs) and returning starting forward Rick Jackson (6'9" 240lbs) as serious options for the center position. Also on the team is freshman Baye Moussa Keita (6'11"220lbs), however he is looked at as more of a project than a regular contributor for this season.

Everyone on the team is going to have to step up and pick up the slack in the event of a season ending foot injury to Riley. Most importantly, Fab Melo is going to have to learn to adjust to the college game that much quicker. If he can make the adjustment and learn to play at an even higher level than he has ever been exposed to, than Syracuse's season should continue on without a hitch. Melo's security cushion may have just left the building.

Forward Mookie Jones (6'6" 220lbs), one player many felt might not be able to find minutes this season, could be getting the opportunity he's been waiting for. Additionally, sophomore James Southerland (6'8" 205lbs) might find himself with increased minutes in the event of season ending surgery to Riley. Stay tuned to the Cuse Connection for more details.

photo courtesy of syracuse.com