During the team’s media day back on Oct. 16, Florida Gators head basketball coach Billy Donovan spoke about the future of redshirt sophomore forward Adam Allen. Allen, who has already had two surgeries on a chronic left knee, told Donovan his kneecap was still giving him pain and discomfort even after he had surgery on it (now) seven months ago. Initial thoughts were that Allen would have to sit out the season while recovering, which affected Donovan emotionally. “I feel terrible for him because he has been trying to get himself back,” Donovan said last month.

“There’s a good chance I won’t be able to play basketball again,” Allen said at the time. “The cards are stacked against me.” Word from the Gainesville Sun is that Allen is now scheduled for a third surgery on his left knee and will go under the knife next week.

Allen realizes his career is likely over at this point, which is quite unfortunate especially considering he never had a chance to show what he can do on the court. “I don’t know if I will ever be able to play again at this level,” Allen said.

OGGOA wishes Allen a speedy recovery and all the best in his future endeavors.

Tags: Adam Allen, Billy Donovan

The University of Florida men’s and women’s basketball teams held their respective media days Thursday at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. While men’s head coach Billy Donovan spoke plenty about his returning players, incoming freshmen and the team’s prospects for the 2009 season, one particular news story stood out above the rest – redshirt sophomore forward Adam Allen‘s basketball career may be over.

According to Jeremy Fowler of the Orlando Sentinel, who attended the media day and was able to speak with both coach and player, Allen’s kneecap is still giving him pain and discomfort even after he had surgery on it six months ago. “There’s a good chance I won’t be able to play basketball again,” Allen said. “The cards are stacked against me.”

Allen’s struggle to get healthy seemed to affect Donovan emotionally when he spoke with the media. “I feel terrible for him because he has been trying to get himself back,” Donovan said. While both are frustrated over the situation, all Allen can do at this point is wait and see what his future holds. One option for Allen may be foregoing the entire 2009-10 season and making a go of it next year.

Tags: Adam Allen, Billy Donovan, O'Connell Center