Smith out for the year with a significant ACL injury in his left knee

Mizzou basketball player Mitchell Smith is out for the year with a significant ACL injury in his left knee. Smith injured his left knee in the Tigers loss to LSU Wednesday night.

Head coach Kim Anderson released this statement.

“Unfortunately, Mitchell Smith will be out for the remainder of the season due to a significant ACL injury in his left knee. He will have surgery soon and begin the rehabilitation process with our medical and training staff. Mitchell has been an absolutely outstanding representative of the Mizzou Basketball program this season. He has always brought a tireless work ethic and incredible willingness to learn on a daily basis, and we have no doubt that will continue as he works to recover from this setback. We will support Mitchell the whole way, and I hope all Mizzou fans do the same for a really special member of our Mizzou family.”

Smith released this statement as well.

“It’s definitely hard to hear that your season will be cut short, but the support I’ve received from Coach Anderson, our trainer Pat Beckmann, the team doctors and my teammates has been really comforting. All of my effort this season will now go towards cheering on my teammates and focusing on getting healthy.”

The freshman is averaging 2.4 points and 1.7 rebounds per game. He had his best game in Mizzou’s home opener against Alabama A&M. He scored 7 points and had 5 rebounds in 13 minutes of playing time.

The 6’10” forward is from Van Buren, Arkansas, where he averaged 19.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game for Van Buren High School.