Indiana University Athletics
A.J. Ratliff Out With Injured Thumb
10/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Oct. 25, 2005
Bloomington, Ind. - Sophomore guard A.J. Ratliff injured his right thumb during Monday afternoon's practice and will be out for an undetermined amount of time, Indiana head coach Mike Davis said. Ratliff, who claimed the Hoosier Hysteria slam dunk crown with a crowd-pleasing slam over the entire sophomore class, had succesful surgery on Tuesday and is expected to make a full recovery.
"A.J. was playing some great basketball and it is unfortunate that this kind of thing happened," Davis said. "At the same time, we have the type of team this year, where if one of our guys gets hurt, another could just as easily step in without missing a beat. A.J. was one of the most improved players during the offseason and we will miss him, but I also feel confident about the other group of players who could fill his spot while he is recovering."
Ratliff ranked among the top freshmen in the Big Ten a year ago. The Indianapolis, Ind., native led the Hoosiers and ranked second among league rookies in three-point percentage (.436). He also finished third in blocked shots (0.62), fifth in rebounding (2.8) and eighth in scoring (5.8) among the conference newcomers.
Davis considers this matter closed and will not have any further comment.
