- Center landed awkwardly while grabbing rebound
- Parents and teammates surrounded player after injury
Florida’s Micah Handlogten suffered a severe leg injury in the opening minutes of the Southeastern Conference Tournament final on Sunday and was taken off the court on a stretcher.
Handlogten had two rebounds in two minutes and was trying to come down with a third when he landed awkwardly on his left foot. The 7ft 1in center immediately went down in pain and rolled on to his side, putting his hands to his face. The sound of bone apparently breaking could be heard on TV with blood immediately visible on the back of his calf.
Play continued as Aden Holloway took a pass and finished a layup on the other end for Florida’s opponents, Auburn. Play then stopped as trainers rushed out to tend to Handlogten, and silence descended on Bridgestone Arena. His parents were brought to the court from their seats in the stands, and several Florida players were in tears. Some Auburn players prayed as Handlogten was treated.
Handlogten’s leg was placed inside an air cast before he was placed on a backboard, then lifted onto a stretcher. Teammates came over to him as Handlogten was taken off the court.
Handlogten was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for tests, according to ESPN, which was broadcasting the game.
