Louisville freshman Mike James lost for season with torn Achilles tendon

Fans of the Louisville Cardinals men's basketball program won't get to see freshman guard/forward Mike James in action during the upcoming season. 

The university confirmed Thursday that James tore the Achilles tendon in his left leg during Wednesday's practice session and will undergo surgery on Friday to repair the issue. He will miss the entire campaign while recovering. 

"First and foremost, I feel for Mike," head coach Chris Mack said for the prepared statement. "He's a phenomenal young man and was poised to have a stellar freshman season. Secondly, I feel for his teammates, coaches, family and friends that have supported him daily. Lastly, I feel for Louisville fans who will miss seeing a terrific addition to our program. I have no doubt however that Mike will be back better than ever next season." 

James earned 2020-21 Orlando Sentinel Boys Basketball Player of the Year honors and was voted Class 7A Player of the Year in Florida after he averaged 19.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game last season. According to Jeff Borzello of ESPN, James ranked No. 79 in the ESPN 100 for his class. 

Per Shannon Russell of the Louisville Courier-Journal, Mack recently offered high praise for James. 

"I think Mike James, for a newcomer to college basketball, has looked terrific at times," Mack had said. "He's a very, very eager learner and a very quick learner and extremely athletic. He plays with a toughness that you want as a coach."