A Gophers men's basketball frontcourt already razor thin was dealt a significant blow this week after junior forward Isaiah Ihnen suffered a season-ending left knee injury.
New Gophers coach Ben Johnson announced Thursday that Ihnen would undergo surgery and miss the 2021-22 season. The 6-9, 220-pound German native was injured during a non-contact drill in Tuesday's practice, sources told the Star Tribune.
That now makes two post players sidelined with major knee injuries.
Division II All-America transfer Parker Fox, a Mahtomedi native, could miss the season as well after tearing his left ACL and meniscus in the spring.
Ihnen was not available for comment Thursday, but Johnson provided an emailed statement.
"We are obviously disappointed for Isaiah, as he made great strides not only as a player, but also as a leader this summer," he said. "As a valuable member of the team, we will be with him every step of his recovery and can't wait to have him back next year."
One of the team's only returning players from last season, along with senior big man Eric Curry, Ihnen averaged 2.8 points and 3.5 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per game in 2020-21.
Ihnen's athleticism and length with a 7-4 wingspan were apparent when he signed as former Gophers coach Richard Pitino's top recruit in the 2019 class. Most of his teammates bolted after Pitino was fired in March, but Ihnen remained loyal to the program.
