Indiana Hoosiers sophomore guard James Blackmon Jr. will undergo a surgical procedure on his right knee, Indiana announced today via a press release.

Blackmon Jr. has missed the first two games of the Big Ten slate thus far after injuring his knee in practice on the Monday before last week's game versus Rutgers.

Here is the release:

"After thorough testing and evaluation, it has been determined that the best solution for James Blackmon Jr., and his immediate and long-term health, is to undergo surgery on his right knee [Tuesday] afternoon that he injured last week in practice. He is second on the Hoosiers in scoring (15.8), which also ranks 10th in the Big Ten.  He is third in the league in 3-point field goals made per game (2.8) and seventh in 3-point field goal percentage (46.3).  In his two seasons with the Hoosiers, IU is 21-0 anytime he shoots 47.0 percent or higher from the field. A final determination of his status could be known as early as later today."

“This is a very tough outcome for our Indiana team, but most importantly for James,” said Indiana coach Tom Crean. “He is establishing himself as one of the most elite guards in the country this season. I feel terrible for him and he has a tough road ahead of him but it is one he has been down before and we fully believe that this process will lead him to have an incredible future in the game at Indiana and well beyond.  We look forward to helping him with his full recovery and I know he appreciates everyones thoughts, prayers and concerns.”

This news comes on the same day that Indiana welcomes in the Wisconsin Badgers to Assembly Hall for their Big Ten home opener, and on the same night that the 1976 undefeated national championship team will be honored at halftime.

Blackmon Jr. did have surgery on his left knee over the summer and did tear his ACL in high school as well.

UPDATE:

Via a release on Blackmon Jr., "it is expected that he will not play again this season."

It was released earlier that his staus was unclear regarding the rest of the season, but following the surgery, it was determined that playing again this season is in much doubt. Blackmon Jr. will not be at the home game vs. Wisconsin Tuesday night.

With the injury to Blackmon Jr., guys like Robert Johnson and Collin Hartman will be more heavily relied upon to provide some scoring. Hartman has taken Blackmon Jr.'s spot in the starting lineup the past two games. Max Bielfeldt has also provided some big minutes along with O.G. Anunoby.

Coach Tom Crean talked extensively about having good depth on this team, but that has seemed to take a hit as the Hoosiers now have just three guards on scholarship, two of which are starters.

The offense hasn't seen a considerable drop off in the absence of Blackmon Jr., but it hasn't been as free and easy as it once was with him in the lineup.

This is a fairly significant loss for the Hoosiers as their ceiling isn't quite as high, but this should still be a squad that will be competitive.