Tigers dealt tough blow heading to Central Florida

Just when things were finally starting to click, the University of Memphis Tigers (12-5, 3-0 in Conference USA) received the message that they didn't want to hear heading into tonight's conference clash with the Central Florida Golden Knights in Orlando, Fla. -freshman star and former McDonald's All-American guard and forward Adonis Thomas will miss the season due to an ankle injury.

The injury to his ankle, which is called peroneal tendon retinaculm and suffered during practice on Friday, will keep the Tigers' third leading scorer out for two to three months. But the upside is that with today's modern technology, if Thomas rehabs swiftly and the Tigers make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, then he could come back before this season is over.

"I told the guys the news about Adonis this morning," said Josh Pastner, head coach of the Tigers. "The other guys on the team have got to step up, there's no other option."

Pastner said that after talking to the doctors and with Thomas and his family, that it was in his best interest to go ahead and do the surgery now to help protect his long-term future as a basketball player. Pastner also stated that Thomas could have elected to play throughout the season with the pain in his left ankle, but wasn't going to see a lot of playing time because of the injury.

"Once I heard I needed surgery, I broke down," Thomas said. "I've never had an ankle injury before. I couldn't handle that I couldn't finish my first season as a college basketball player."

Not only will Thomas be out, but senior guard Charles Carmouche who has missed the last three games, will not be available as well. Carmouche did go through light drills in practice on Tuesday, but Pastner says he will not play Wednesday against the Golden Knights due to tendonitis in both his knees.

"Everyone's in the rotation basically," said Pastner. "Everyone's got to be ready and got to get the job done."

The Tigers' next opponent is a tough, hard-nosed UCF team (13-4, 3-1 in C-USA) that lost to a Marshall team that many think will win C-USA this year. They're led by Marcus Jordan and Keith Clanton, both of whom average double figures. And the Knights have a big frontcourt that can rebound the ball well.

"Central Florida is a big team, a well-coached team," Pastner said. "Last time we went down there, if it wasn't for Will Barton's between-the-legs pass to Antonio Barton, we lose that game. We know it's going to be a tremendous atmosphere when we go down there, and if we want to come out victorious, we will have to play well."

The Tigers and Golden Knights clash tonight, at 7 p.m. (CT).