It sounds like Ben Cronin is done, not just for the season but for his career. This is terrible news for all involved and it’s very tough not to feel for Cronin who has been through so much over the last several years and is regarded as one of the nicest kids on the entire team.
This also explains the sudden interest in Grand Ledge big man Jon Horford. With the future roster composition I wouldn’t be surprised to see Michigan put the full court press on Jon, if they haven’t already.
Here is the official press release from the Athletic Department:
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — University of Michigan men’s basketball coach John Beilein announced today (Tuesday, Dec. 29), redshirt-freshman center Ben Cronin (Syracuse, N.Y./Hemminger HS) will miss the remainder of the 2009-10 season, and more than likely the remainder of his career, as he continues his rehabilitation on his left hip.
“Above all, our chief concern has always been for Ben’s current and future health,” said Beilein. “Following his hip surgery last season, we were hopeful that Ben would be able to return for this season.
“Unfortunately, there have been complications with this particular injury which have prevented him from progressing like we had hoped. Consequently, Ben will not play the rest of this season, and more than likely for the remainder of his career. This is a very difficult decision that has everything to do with the quality of Ben’s life after basketball.
“Obviously this was not an easy decision to make, but we agree with our doctor’s assessment that Ben’s chances for a full recovery and to play a full time college basketball schedule are slim. He will remain on scholarship and we will continue to support his rehabilitation and pursuits of becoming a teacher and coach.”
“This has been a long process for my family and me, however, after meeting with our doctors I feel it is best for my long term health to focus on my hip rehabilitation and stop playing college basketball,” said Cronin. “I really appreciated basketball and I will miss it like crazy, but my faith will help me get through this. I continue to have wonderful experiences here at the University of Michigan and I am truly grateful for all the guidance and opportunities given to me. I am looking forward to continuing my rehab, having the opportunity to finish my degree and helping this program in any way that I can.”
