Harry Giles suffered a “slight small tear” in his right ACL during Oak Hill’s first game of the season on Tuesday night in Galax, Va.,, a source told SNY.tv.
The 6-foot-10 Giles went down early in the game and did not return. Kentucky coach John Calipari was on hand watching Giles for the game.
Giles, the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2016 and the projected No. 1 pick in 2017, had already torn his left ACL during high school and made a full recovery. ACL recovery typically takes 6-9 months.
Giles, who transferred to Oak Hill from Wesleyan (N.C.) Christian for his senior season, will announce his college choice live on SportsCenter on Friday at noon. He is considering Duke, Kentucky, Kansas and Wake Forest, with Duke the heavy favorite. Previous reports had him announcing Nov. 12 or 14. The NCAA early signing period runs Nov. 11-18.
ESPN’s Seth Greenberg believes the injury won’t impact his recruitment at all.
“This in no way will have any impact on his recruitment,” Greenberg, who previously Tweeted the news on Thursday, told SNY.tv by phone. “You’re talking about a guy with one of the most unique skill sets since LeBron James. And his skill set as much as his athleticism has defined his game.
“The programs that were recruiting him will no doubt continue to have him as their top priority, and next year at this time you expect him to be playing at a high level. His game is defined by his skill set, not just his athleticism. He injured his other knee a year ago and made a full recovery.”
Oak Hill coach Steve Smith was not available for comment.
