The University of North Carolina was excited by their victory over Creighton. The victory at the NCAA tournament propelled them into the Sweet 16. However, some of that excitement was tempered when the team learned Kendal Marshall, their star point guard, fractured his wrist and will require surgery.
Reports say Marshall will undergo surgery Monday to have his wrist repaired. Marshall said he hoped there was a chance he could suit up for the next round, but it is unlikely that will happen, said sources. Marshall’s father Dennis, told reporters that his son will have a screw inserted in his right wrist, which is his non-shooting hand.
Marshall was injured on a drive into the lane when he crashed to the floor after being hit by Ethan Wragge. He shot two free throws following the foul and then left the game. He returned a short time later and played another seven minutes before being taken out for good.
Tar Heels’ coach Roy Williams told his team about Marshall’s injury after clearing out the locker room of reporters. Sunday night the point guard had his arm in a cast to relieve some of the pain and maintain comfort until his Monday surgery.
The Tar Heels face St. Louis in the round of 16 on Friday. School officials would not release any information as to his playing status. Players were optimistic the point guard could help the team since his dominant hand is not the one fractured.
