Mississippi G Polynice out for year

Nov 19, 2008 - 12:31 AM OXFORD, Mississippi (Ticker) -- Mississippi guard Eniel Polynice will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his left knee, the school announced Tuesday.

The 6-5 junior underwent the operation earlier Tuesday, which was a follow-up procedure to an initial procedure from the end of last season.

"The surgery consisted of an articular cartilage transplant, removal of loose fragments and addressing a torn lateral meniscus," surgeon William Geissler of the University of Mississippi Medical Center said. "He will be in rehabilitation and out of play for the next four to six months."

Last season, Polynice averaged 10.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 34 games - 31 starts - for the Rebels, who went 24-11 to post the school's second-most wins.

Outside of his production, Polynice was also routinely mentioned as the team's top perimeter defender by coach Andy Kennedy.

"Anytime a team loses its most experienced player, there will obviously be adjustments that have to be made," Kennedy said. "I feel bad for EP because I know how hard he worked in preparing for his junior year. The season-ending surgery was necessary to ensure his future as an athlete. We will apply for a medical redshirt, which we feel confident he will get. His loss creates a great opportunity for our young players."

The news about Polynice comes 11 days after sophomore guard Trevor Gaskins suffered a torn ACL. Gaskins was a Southeastern Conference All-Freshman selection last season.