UNC freshman point guard Cole Anthony will miss four to six weeks after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure to treat a partially torn meniscus in his right knee on Monday, the university announced on Tuesday.
Anthony missed the Tar Heels’ game against Wofford in Carmichael Arena — a 64-68 loss to the Terriers — and junior K.J. Smith was elevated to a starter in his place. Anthony averaged 19.1 points in UNC’s first nine games, including an ACC record 34 point in his college debut against Notre Dame in the season opener.
“Obviously not having a player of Cole’s caliber will be a tremendous challenge to our young team, but we have to play,” said Roy Williams. “No one player is going to replace the production Cole Anthony gives us, so it’s up to everyone who puts on a North Carolina jersey to raise his game and help our team play better.”
A four to six week timeline would put Anthony’s return around mid-January. The Tar Heels open ACC conference play on Saturday, January 4 against Georgia Tech and play Pittsburgh and Clemson before the hypothetical four-week return for Anthony.
If Anthony misses the full six weeks (a total of seven ACC games), that would put his return before UNC faces off against Boston College on Saturday, February 1.
Anthony’s injury is yet another that Williams and UNC have been forced to deal with early in the 2019-20 season. So far, the list of players who have appeared on the injured report includes senior Brandon Robinson (ankle), junior Sterling Manley (knee – out for the season), sophomore Leaky Black (foot), freshman Armando Bacot (ankle), and freshmen Anthony Harris (knee) and Jeremiah Francis (knee).
UNC travels to No. 2 Gonzaga tomorrow with tip-off scheduled for 9 p.m. Pre-game coverage will begin on 97.9 The Hill at 7:30.
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