:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62939244/usa_today_11974965.0.jpg)
The hits keep coming for the Nebraska Cornhuskers this weekend. Fans might have thought that Saturday’s loss to Ohio State would be the worst news of the weekend, but that doesn’t appear to be the case as news broke on Saturday that star forward Isaac Copeland would be sidelined for the remainder of the season with the injury.
A university release on Saturday indicated that Copeland suffered a torn left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the second half of Saturday’s game against Ohio State and would miss the remainder of the season. The announcement followed an MRI.
Here’s what Copeland had to say about the injury:
A
Husker nation thank you for welcoming me with open arms. Unfortunately my time here as a player was cut short due to injury. Keep me in your prayers and keep supporting our team ! Love ❤️ #GBR
— isaac copeland (@Isaac_CurlJuice) January 26, 2019
And Tim Miles added some comments in the university’s release:
“I am broken hearted for Isaac,” Nebraska Coach Tim Miles said. “He is a young man who had every option available to him last spring, but wanted to come back and help lead the Huskers back to the NCAA Tournament and beyond. He has meant so much to our program and has been a valued leader in the Husker basketball family since arriving on campus two years ago. In typical Isaac fashion, he was the most vocal player in the huddle even after his injury, encouraging his teammates and showing leadership even though he was unable to play.”
There’s no debating that this is a huge loss for the Huskers moving forward. Copeland was an All-Big Ten player last season and started 20 games this season. He was averaging 14.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.
For Nebraska, it’s hard to imagine more disappointing news. The Huskers sit at 13-7 overall following Saturday’s loss and have some major work to do if the team is going to end up making the NCAA Tournament. Losing a star player like Copeland won’t make things easier.
Unfortunately, this will mark the end of Copeland’s career at Nebraska as his eligibility will be exhausted following this season. He was a major player for the Huskers over the last few years and fans will certainly wish him the best as he attempts to make it at the next level.