Alabama Forward Undergoes Surgery, Hopes To Return For SEC Season
Alabama senior forward James Rojas underwent surgery at St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham, AL to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. Dr. Lyle Cain of Andrews Sports Medicine performed the surgery and he expects Rojas to make a full recovery. Dr. Cain also performed the ACL surgery on the right knee of Rojas in 2019.
“We are disappointed to lose Rojas, but he is as tough as they come. He had a similar injury two years ago on his right knee and responded well to the rehab process. I am confident that he will attack this rehab in an aggressive, similar fashion and will be surrounded by the best doctors, athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals to help him throughout the entire process. We are confident he will be available for us during the SEC season," said Alabama head coach Nate Oats.
The 6-foot-8 senior is expecting to make a recovery in time to contribute to the Southeastern Conference season in late December 2021. Rojas averaged 2.9 points and 2.6 rebounds last season in 30 games. The senior was second on the team last season with 18 floor dives and earned two Hard Hat awards last season for accumulating the most "Blue Collar" points in a game.
The Crimson Tide is coming off one of its best basketball seasons in program history after winning both the SEC regular season and tournament titles while advancing to the Sweet 16.