The optimism surrounding the Providence basketball program is turning into doubt and skepticism once again.Point guard Kris Dunn, the top-rated point guard in the 2012 class, will have shoulder surgery and miss the rest of the college basketball season.
Dunn, a sophomore, suffered the injury during an exhibition game against Rhode Island College on Nov. 2. He returned after a three-game absence and averaged 3.8 points in four games before deciding to have surgery. Dunn missed nine games last season after having surgery on the same shoulder before enrolling at Providence for his freshman season.
Providence coach Ed Cooley has been snakebit by eligibility issues and injuries during his time at Providence. He's optimistic that Dunn will come back next season, and play a key role in what he hopes will be a Providence renaissance.
"We are looking forward to assisting Kris as he recovers from his surgery," Cooley said. "His health and well-being are our primary concern. There is no question that he will rebound from this and continue to improve as a basketball player. We are confident that Kris will be a key member of our team in 2014-15."
Even though the Friars do have some pieces to be competitive, they'll find the road tougher without Dunn. Bryce Cotton is available, but he has spent most of his time off the ball. Freshman Brandon Austin is currently suspended for an undisclosed disciplinary on-campus incident.
The Friars said that they'll apply to the Big East for a medical hardship waiver for Dunn.
