Ankle surgery will keep freshman guard Elijah Weaver off the court for the foreseeable future, throwing a wrench in the plans for USC Basketball.
Elijah Weaver was set to be a critical piece of the USC Trojans’ 2018-19 plans. For at least the start of the season, however, Andy Enfield will have to make do without him.
The school announced Thursday that Weaver was forced to undergo surgery on his left ankle. His injury occurred last week, taking the freshman off the court for the next three months, give or take.
CORRECTION: The surgery was on Weaver’s left ankle.
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) August 31, 2018
That timeline suggests he’ll miss most of the first month of the season. USC’s schedule in November includes Vanderbilt and Texas Tech, as well as a contest against elite mid-major program Nevada on the first day of December.
Weaver, a four-star recruit out of Florida, was expected to play a pivotal role as a freshman. The point guard was set to shore up depth problems at the position right from the jump.
The only other true point guard on the roster is Derryck Thornton Jr.
USC brought in one of the top recruiting classes in the country, one that includes Kevin Porter Jr. and J’Raan Brooks. They’ll be an instrumental part of whether or not USC contends for a Pac-12 title. But Weaver is arguably the crown jewel of the bunch.
After bursting on to the scene, Weaver turned down offers from Florida, Ohio State, and Oklahoma State to take his talents to Los Angeles. The point guard has the ability to make plays with and without the ball, threatening to create a new dynamic under Enfield.
Last year, Thornton averaged just 3.8 points per game in his first year of eligibility following a transfer from Duke. He’ll now likely assume the starting point guard mantle at the start of the year.
The Trojans have ample time to prepare to overcome this injury. For the sake of their NCAA Tournament dreams, however, USC hopes to see Elijah Weaver on the court soon.
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