Cook out for the year with ACL tear
The Panthers notched a huge win over Duke in a battle of unbeatens on Thursday night, but suffered a crushing blow in the process.
Fifth year season Mike Cook tore his ACL in his left knee during the first minute of overtime against Duke, while also suffering a medial and lateral meniscal tear. The Pittsburgh guard/forward will miss the remainder of the season.
Cook will have surgery within the next two weeks, followed by a rehabilitation process that could last up to 12 months. Cook was averaging 10.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, while averaging 24.9 minutes per game for the Panthers.
Cook’s leadership will be missed in the locker room and on the court. The fifth-year senior has grown into a mentor and leader for the Panthers. Look for juniors Levance Fields and Sam Young to become more vocal and grow into leaders and mentors for the rest of the Pittsburgh squad. With conference play just off the horizon, the Panthers are going to need every source of leadership and guidance with the likes of Georgetown, Louisville, and Villanova posing difficult roadblocks on the path to the Big East title.
Tags: Big East Basketball, Mike Cook, NCAA Men's basketball, Pittsburgh Panthers