Kirkland’s Injury Is Worst-Case Scenario: Cincinnati fans and coaches had their fingers crossed that senior forward Armein Kirkland’s knee injury would be minor. But the indications — he heard a pop when coming down after attacking the basket against Connecticut — weren’t good. Neither was the official report. Doctors determined after an MRI that Kirkland has a torn ACL in his left knee and will miss the rest of the season.
Kirkland’s injury reduces the number of scholarship players on coach Andy Kennedy’s roster to eight. With a diminished roster, the starters must place more minutes, and the team cannot afford any more injuries. Foul trouble will also be a constant concern the rest of the way, which could be big for a team that likes to play tough, intense defense. Kirkland also was one of the few players taller than 6-6, so James White and NAIA transfer Ronald Allen must play smart and effectively in the paint at both ends. [1/10/06]
