Virginia Tech F Thompson to have surgery Friday

Nov 13, 2008 - 11:03 PM BLACKSBURG, Virginia (Ticker) -- Virginia Tech forward J.T. Thompson will undergo surgery Friday to repair a inguinal hernia, sidelining him for four to six weeks.

The 6-6 sophomore was diagnosed with the injury Wednesday and will have the operation at Montgomery Regional Hospital on Friday morning.

"I am disappointed for J.T.," Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg said. "He has worked extremely hard during the summer and preseason to prepare for this season. But I know with his attitude and work ethic, J.T. will be back better than ever. He will bring his usual passion to the rehabilitation and return as soon as he is completely healthy. Everyone on the team will have to step up and work that much harder in his absence."

Last season, Thompson appeared in 34 games - making five starts - and averaged 5.6 points and 4.1 rebounds.

The Hokies will open the regular season against Gardner-Webb on Friday. Last season, they went 21-14 to record consecutive 20-win campaigns for the first time in 12 years.