Bruce Pearl releases statement on the season-ending injury to Auburn’s Anfernee McLemore

The Auburn Tigers have had a fabulous basketball season so far, but on Saturday, things took a bad turn when the Tigers lost starting center Anfernee McLemore for the season.

McLemore suffered a fractured and dislocated ankle in the 84-75 loss to South Carolina. He’s out for the next four to six months, which is a huge loss ahead of the tournament.

Following the game, Auburn revealed that McLemore will have surgery Sunday to repair the damage, and Bruce Pearl released the following statement.

“Anfernee is a huge part of this team and this family,” Pearl said in the statement. “He is one of the most unique athletes in college basketball. He’s a 6-foot-7, shot-blocking, 3-point-shooting warrior. Our thoughts and our prayers are with him. The injury was gruesome and we do not have him for the rest of the season. But I promise you, Anfernee McLemore will not be held down. He will be back.”

McLemore took to Twitter to thank Auburn fans for their support and provide an update on his injury following the game.

Thank you Auburn Family for all the love and support! Doctors said I dislocated my ankle, fractured my tibia, and will need surgery for some torn ligaments. Not to worry, I’ll be back in 4-6 months. War Eagle everybody ?

— Anfernee McLemore (@akmclemore) February 17, 2018

SDS

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