Solo Ball's Wrist Surgery Just Ended His Entire Season, and UConn's Hoping His Backup Can Fill the Void
UConn's got a massive problem. Solo Ball, the guard who was supposed to lead the Huskies back to glory, just had wrist surgery and is out for the entire 2026-27 season. The school announced it Monday. Ball will take a medical redshirt and try to come back looking like one of the best guards in America next year. But right now? The Huskies have a huge hole to fill.
From Breakout Star to Injury Casualty
Ball had an incredible sophomore season in 2024-25, jumping from 3.3 points per game to 14.4 and shooting 41.4% from deep. The guy was becoming exactly what UConn needed. But the wrist injury derailed everything. This past season, he couldn't find his shot. Ball was stuck shooting just 30% from 3-point range for the year, and it got even worse in the NCAA tournament at 25.7%. Still, he managed 12.8 points per game and hit three 3-pointers in both of UConn's Final Four games. The 6-foot-4 junior had started 74 games over the last two seasons, so this is a legit blow.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at Kalshi"Solo is a true Husky and a champion who would do anything to be out on the court," coach Dan Hurley said. "This guy has shown throughout his career what a warrior he is. Solo is going to use the season to get his wrist fully healthy and then come back next year as one of the best guards in America while cementing his legacy as an all-time great at UConn."
The Silver Lining Actually Looks Pretty Good
Here's the thing: UConn isn't completely dead in the water. Freshman Braylon Mullins announced over the weekend he's staying put despite being a projected top-20 NBA draft pick. That's huge. Mullins averaged 12.0 points and shot 33.5% from 3 in his first college season. Add in transfers Nikolas Khamenia from Duke and Najai Hines from Seton Hall, plus top-40 recruits Colben Landrew and Junior County, and Hurley is building something. Starting point guard Silas Demary Jr. and versatile perimeter reserve Jayden Ross are back too. It's not the same squad without Ball healthy, but it's not a rebuild either.
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