Gators center Micah Handlogten is expected to undergo surgery later Sunday at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., according to Florida head coach Todd Golden, after suffering a lower left leg fracture against Auburn in the 2023-24 SEC Championship.
Handlogten was going up for a rebound and went down awkwardly just two minutes into the game Sunday. His team surrounded him in support as he was taken off the floor of Bridgestone Arena on a stretcher.
Handlogten posted an update to X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter, after the game, thanking fans for their good wishes after he left the matchup, seemingly remaining in high spirits.
"Gator Nation, thank you for all of the love and prayers!" Handlogten wrote. "It has helped more than anyone could imagine. Keep supporting the boys so we can make a deep run in the NCAA [Tournament]! I love you all!"
In his post-game press conference, Golden expressed sympathy for Handlogten, calling the hurt a "super fluky injury."
"He's a great kid," Golden said about Handlogten. "You just hate to see it for him because he does everything the right way. He works hard."
Handlogten started in 32 of the 33 games he played in this season for Florida, following his offseason transfer from Marshall. The 7-foot-1, 235-pound sophomore averaged 5.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game before the Auburn game.
Freshman forwards Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh will likely see an increase in playing time for the NCAA Tournament following Handlogten's injury. Haugh started two games earlier in the season when Handlogten dealt with a less significant injury.
The Gators will find out their seeding and first-round matchup for March Madness on Sunday night during the Selection Sunday show, which starts at 6 p.m. ET on CBS.
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