Auburn’s thrilling upset of top-seeded North Carolina in the Sweet 16 was marred a devastating knee injury to Tigers sophomore forward Chuma Okeke.
Bruce Pearl cried when asked about Chuma Okeke’s injury: ‘I’ll go hug him’
Torn ACL for Auburn’s best NBA prospect in the Sweet 16.
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.
An MRI on revealed that Okeke has a torn ACL in his left knee and will undergo surgery on Tuesday, Auburn coach Bruce Pearl told reporters on Saturday.
Okeke was in the middle of a breakout game when his left knee buckled as he was driving to the basket. You can watch the injury here, but fair warning: it’s gruesome. Okeke — who was already considered Auburn’s best NBA prospect and a fringe first round draft pick — ended the night with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
When Pearl was asked about the injury after the game, he immediately started crying. Pearl’s tears were a moving moment after arguably the biggest win of his career.
UNC players rushed to hug and console Okeke after the injury
Auburn players rallied around Okeke in the locker room
Auburn also gave Okeke the honor of placing the team name on the symbolic bracket
After the game, Okeke released a statement through the team.
This is a devastating injury. Get well soon, Chuma.
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