Theron Smith had big plans for the 2002-03 men's basketball season. The preseason All-American will have to put those plans on the shelf, though, after deciding to sit out the remainder of the season due to tendinitis in his right knee.
Smith originally injured his knee in June at a workout with the Toronto Raptors. The senior tore his anterior-cruciate ligament and underwent surgery later in the month.
Smith participated in Ball State's first three games this season, but was not as effective as he had hoped to be. Smith averaged 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in those games, compared to 19.6 and 10.9 respectively last year.
Head coach Tim Buckley said Smith was performing at about "65 percent the player he was."
"This is not a sudden decision," Buckley said. "The thinking has taken place since his surgery in June."
Smith will apply for a medical redshirt at the end of the season so he can return and complete his four years of eligibility. To apply for a medical redshirt, the injury must occur prior to the completion of the first half of the playing season and the athlete must not have participated in more than 20 percent of scheduled games.
"This decision was a hard one because it impacts so many people," Smith said. "I will be there with the team every step of the way this season and support them in every way I can."
Smith, who flirted with going to the NBA after last season, earned numerous preseason accolades, including being named a John Wooden Award candidate. The Wooden Award is given to college basketball's top player.
Smith said the tendinitis is causing enough pain to keep him from performing at the level he was last season.
"I didn't have enough time to get 100 percent,"Smith said. "I will continue to work hard to get back to where I was, and even better than last season."
Ball State associate athletics trainer Tony Cox said the extra recovery time will allow Smith to return to his high level of play.
"It's important to remember that Theron is only five and a half months after surgery," Cox said. "We want to give him a chance to fully recover."
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