Caris LeVert’s season-ending foot injury was a “complete” fracture of a bone in his left foot, Michigan coach John Beilein said Monday.
Speaking on the Big Ten coaches teleconference, Beilein said doctors expect a 100% recovery for the Wolverines’ captain, who leads the team in points, assists and rebounds.
LeVert had surgery on the same foot in May.
“Same foot, same bone — everything,” Beilein said. “The first fracture was not a fracture. It was a stress-related thing which shows it would fracture there. This time, it was a complete fracture.
“Very optimistic — doctors expect 100% recovery.”
According to Sunday’s announcement of the injury, LeVert is scheduled to undergo surgery this week, followed by a 12-week period of recovery and rehabilitation. In the spring, he’ll also have the choice to either declare for the NBA Draft or return to Ann Arbor for his senior year.
The majority of basketball analysts project LeVert as a first-round pick despite the injury.
The Michigan captain took a team-high 19 shots in a 56-54 win over Northwestern on Saturday. Facing the remainder of a challenging Big Ten schedule without LeVert means several freshmen will have the chance to step up and contribute — and they’ll need to in a big way if the Wolverines want a successful season.
“As bad as we feel for Caris, great opportunity for other young men to grow,” Beilein said.
