Nebraska Forward Akol Arop To Miss Season With Injury

Earlier this week, the Nebraska Cornhuskers got some tough news as the program learned forward Akol Arop would miss the upcoming 2021-’21 season after suffering a knee injury. Arop had some nice moments as a freshman and Husker fans were hoping he would take another step forward this year.

As noted above, Arop was a true freshman last season and saw limited playing time last year. He averaged 5.4 minutes, 1.0 points, and 1.3 rebounds per game during last season. Fans were hoping he could emerge with some of the departures on the wing. The good news is Nebraska has a few options outside of Arop with Derrick Walker and some of the new additions.

Nebraska issued the following statement regarding the injury:

Lincoln - University of Nebraska Head Coach Fred Hoiberg announced Thursday that sophomore Akol Arop will miss the entire 2020-21 season following knee surgery last week.

According to Nebraska Men’s Basketball Athletic Trainer R.J. Pietig, Arop had an arthroscopic procedure late last week to address chronic issues with his left knee. Pietig said that the surgery was a success and a full recovery will take six months.

”It is disappointing because Akol has worked hard in the gym improving his game in the offseason,” Hoiberg said. “Knowing his work ethic, he will dedicate himself to getting back to 100 percent and have a complete recovery.”

Arop played in 21 games as a true freshman for the Huskers. While he averaged just 1.0 points and 1.3 rebounds per game in 2019-20, Arop saw most of his action down the stretch, playing at least 20 minutes in each of the Huskers’ final three games. He set personal bests in minutes (23) and blocked shots (two) in the Big Ten Tournament against Indiana, while the 6-foot-5 forward snared a season-high six rebounds in 20 minutes of work at No. 25 Michigan.

The Huskers will now have to turn to other players on the depth chart moving forward. Everyone certainly wishes Arop the best in his recovery.