KNOXVILLE – Tennessee walk-on point guard Brandon Lopez will miss his senior season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while playing pickup ball with his teammates over the weekend.
It’s a tough blow for the Knoxville resident, who is well liked by teammates and has impressed the Volunteers’ new staff this offseason.
First-year coach Donnie Tyndall has praised Lopez, one of few returning players in the program, for his leadership this summer, and the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder was pushing for a role this season.
“Obviously this is a huge blow to our team, as Brandon had worked himself into a position where he was competing for a starting role,” Tyndall said in Tennessee’s release.
“It’s very disappointing for our team, but it’s even more disappointing for a great young man who has worked extremely hard this offseason. Brandon’s positive attitude and upbeat mentality will get him through this tough time.”