North Carolina junior guard Dexter Strickland tore his right ACL in Thursday’s win at Virginia Tech and is done for the rest of the 2011-12 season.
Strickland, a Rahway, N.J. native who starred at Elizabeth (N.J.) St. Patrick, suffered the injury early in the second half in Blacksburg as he drove to the basket.
“Positive thinking! Everything happens for a reason, God always has a plan! Thanks to everyone who is praying for me! I appreciate it!” Strickland Tweeted Friday night.
Carolina coach Roy Williams was unavailable for comment immediately on Friday night. But after his team’s victory on Thursday night Williams said, “I hate it for Dexter.”
Strickland started every game this year for the 16-3 Tar Heels and shared the team lead in steals with 25 and was second in assists with 39. He was shooting a team-high 57 percent from the floor and was averaging 7.5 points per game.
Surgery to repair the torn ligament has not been scheduled.
The loss of Strickland leaves the Tar Heels with no experienced backup to Kendall Marshall at point guard and could have a significant impact on their chances to win an NCAA championship.
