SDSU, and former La Costa Canyon High, forward Matt Shrigley tore his ACL in his right knee and had reconstructive surgery Tuesday, according to a San Diego Union Tribune report confirmed by the school.
The redshirt-junior is expected to miss most if not all of next season, after tearing the ligament while playing a pickup game at a local fitness center, according to the report.
Due to Shrigley being redshirted his incoming year at SDSU, it’s unlikely that the NCAA would grant him an additional year of eligibility because of his injury.
“He’s always been serious but he was a different person this summer, really putting in the time,” Rich Shrigley (Matt’s father) said per the San Diego Union Tribune. “He was getting himself up and working out from 6:30 to 9 every morning with (former San Diego Clipper) Jim Brogan, lifting weights, working on his shot. But Matt’s determined to get back as soon as possible and help the team any way he can. He’ll work through it. It’s another hurdle. He’s a young kid and he’ll bounce back quickly.”
According to his father, Shrigley is aiming for a February return which could give the Aztecs a boost as they head into the Mountain West Tournament and the NCAA Tournament
He averaged 15.8 minutes his first season, 21.1 last year and that number was expected to increase again this season.
The Aztecs struggled from behind the arc last year, shooting 32 percent, and while Shrigley himself shot 32 percent, he reached double figures on four occasions, including the team’s tournament game against St. John’s.
SDSU did add a sharp-shooter this summer when Max Hoetzel transferred from Indiana, but he must sit out a season per transfer rule.
Without Shrigley, more emphasis will be placed on the shooting of second-year guard Trey Kell (St. Augustine) and second-year forward Malik Pope.
Although it’s uncertain what position Kell will play, depending on the development of incoming freshman point guard Jeremy Hemsley.
Other players who could receive more minutes with Shrigley’s absence could be senior forward Dakari Allen and junior guard Parker U’u, who dealt with an ACL tear of his own last season.