MORGANTOWN — Tucker DeVries has taken his final shot for the WVU men’s basketball team this season.
His next significant moment will come under a surgeon’s knife Wednesday, as the guard will undergo surgery on his right shoulder for the second time in less than a year.
WVU head coach Darian DeVries — Tucker’s father — announced the news Tuesday in a press release.
“Since early December, we have consulted with our team doctors and numerous medical professionals to evaluate and treat Tucker’s injury,” coach DeVries said. “Tucker did everything he could to get back on the court this season, but unfortunately it has been determined by all parties involved that surgery is necessary. He will be out of action for approximately three months.”
Tucker first had surgery on the shoulder last March, following the completion of his junior season at Drake. He transferred to WVU in late March, after his father had been hired by the school.
Tucker was medically cleared to play four months later, just prior to the Mountaineers leaving for an exhibition tour of Italy.
He played in eight games this season, averaging 14.9 points per game, while shooting 26 of 55 (47%) from 3-point range.
His final game of the season was against Georgetown on Dec. 6. The Mountaineers are 8-5 so far without him in the lineup.
WVU will now apply for a medical redshirt with the NCAA, which would allow Tucker to return for a full season of eligibility next season.
“We will apply for a medical redshirt and certainly look forward for Tucker to come back healthy for his final year,” coach DeVries said. “As I’ve said before, we have a great bunch of guys in the locker room who have rallied around him during his absence. I have complete confidence in our team that they will continue to do so.”
The Mountaineers (14-7, 5-5 Big 12) travel to TCU at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
