Ed Cooley finally had the Providence basketball program going in the right direction, getting some excitement to surround the program for what feels like the first time since Ryan Gomes left.
That excitement took a bit of a hit on Monday morning, however, when Kevin McNamara broke the news that Kris Dunn’s shoulder is injured:Kris Dunn, the McDonald’s All-American guard from New London headed to Providence College, has sustained a shoulder injury that may keep him out of action for a significant amount of time.
Dunn played with nagging shoulder pain at the end of his senior year in New London but aggravated the injury while training with the Under 18-Team USA in Colorado three weeks ago. Dunn, who will report to summer school at PC next week, is being evaluated by the athletic department’s doctors to determine the best course of action but surgery is a possibility.
Surgery could keep Dunn out at least six months. Maybe more. Missing the 2012-2013 isn’t out of the question, either. He’s undergoing an MRI and should have a diagnosis by the end of the week.
The good news is that with Ricardo Ledo joining the program and Vincent Council returning for his senior, the Friars probably have enough pieces to remain competitive and competent in the Big East. But losing a McDonald’s all-american and top 20 recruit -- who just so happens to be the top point guard recruit -- is definitely not the best way to start the season.
Here’s to hoping Dunn gets healthy by the time November rolls around.
Rob Dauster is the editor of the college basketball website Ballin’ is a Habit. You can find him on twitter @robdauster.
