Creighton senior guard Maurice Watson Jr. tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Monday’s 72-67 win at No. 22 Xavier, head coach Greg McDermott confirmed Tuesday.
Watson, the nation’s 2016-17 leader with 162 overall assists and 8.5 assists per game, also leads the nation’s active players with 801 career assists. He is ranked ninth in Creighton history with 391 assists. The Philadelphia, Pa., native spent the first two years of his college career at Boston University.
“We are sorry to learn of the severity of Maurice’s injury, but are thankful for his contributions since joining the Bluejay program three years ago,” McDermott said. “Our team will regroup, and we have a lot of young men who are capable of stepping up to fill the void in Maurice’s absence. Maurice’s leadership role on our team will continue to be huge part of our success.”
“I’m going to fight to get back,” said Watson. “And my teammates need to keep fighting through the year. The fact that these guys battled through yesterday game gives me confidence and security that they’ll be able to go on and do great things. I intend to finish my college career and have a great impact, even if it’s not on the court.”
Creighton is off to its best start in program history, 18-1 overall, and alone in second place with a 5-1 Big East record.
Creighton returns to the court on Saturday at 1:30 pm when it hosts Marquette in a game that will be televised nationally on FOX.
It’s been a fun ride. really devastated but it’s about the get back & my chase to my dreams and back on the court starts now! #jays pic.twitter.com/TssBFgyUmT
— Maurice Watson Jr. (@mauricewatsonjr) January 17, 2017
Maurice Watson Jr. still in uniform but walking with crutches during 2nd half warmups. pic.twitter.com/9vocnDB8zr
— Creighton Basketball (@BluejayMBB) January 16, 2017
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