East Carolina men’s basketball player Deng Riak will miss the remainder of the 2015-16 season to undergo surgery to repair an injured right shoulder, head coach Jeff Lebo announced Monday.
The Melbourne, Australia native played in the first eight games of the season. The freshman recorded 45 total minutes, scoring three points and grabbing eight rebounds.
The athletic department will apply for a medical hardship waiver with the American Athletic Conference office in hopes of getting back Riak’s season of eligibility. Riak will have four years of eligibility remaining, beginning with the 2016-17 season, if approved.
The Pirates lost junior Marshall Guilmette earlier this season when his career was forced to an end early due to a variety of injuries. Riak makes the second Pirate out for the season due to an injury. ECU will need to heavily rely on the team with two of their big players out for the season.
Riak isn’t the only player to face an injury during the season. Junior Michel Nzege has also had to miss a few games due to an ankle injury, but he did appear in the last game against A&T.
The Pirates will continue action Wednesday, Dec. 16, to host UNC Wilmington.
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