It’s been a fairly easy start to the season for UConn Basketball. After beating Michigan by eight points in a ranked matchup on Friday, they took on Wagner on Monday night. The final result went as expected, with the Huskies coasting to an 83-41 victory. All five starters finished in double figures, led by 18 points and six steals from Silas Demary Jr.
Another one was Nikolas Khamenia, who scored 11 points in just seven minutes. However, he suffered reportedly a lower-body injury, exiting the game and being ruled out immediately. As of Tuesday afternoon, there haven't been any updates or test results. But it’s a very concerning time for any player with a lower-leg injury.
Hurley on Khamenia: We'll get him tested tomorrow, MRI/X-ray and see what that looks like...he'll be in a boot until we see what's up
— Storrs Central (@StorrsCentral) November 10, 2026
Khamenia is a former five-star prospect out of high school who produced 5.7 ppg and 3.3 rpg in 20 mpg mostly off the bench at Duke. He transferred to UConn Basketball in the offseason as the replacement for four-year starting forward, Alex Karaban. He newcomer had a strong start in the preseason and was third on the team in scoring with 10.7 ppg through the 2.5 games.
What UConn Basketball does if Khamenia were to miss time
Next to Braylon Mullins, Khamenia was the next best three-point shooter and the spacing he provided next to Najai Hines and Oscar Giltay was invaluable. If there’s a scenario where he’s out for a period of time, look for 6’6 freshman forward Colben Landrew (10 ppg) to get more minutes at the four-spot. He and returning wing Jayden Ross can operate some small-ball lineups, while Nils Machowski would get more playing time off the bench in three-guard lineups.
UConn wouldn’t be doomed without Khamenia but it would be a rough time to have him miss games. Here’s who the team plays next to round out the non-con.
- (H) vs Ohio State - Nov 13
- (N) vs No. 3 Illinois - Nov. 18
- (H) vs No. 15 Kansas - Dec 12
- (N) vs No. 6 Virginia - Dec 20
With the next two games of that group coming up soon, we may have to see what the supporting cast does without Khamenia. The hope is that he’s back to 100% very soon but we’ll have to wait for the test results.
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