The UConn basketball team ranked just outside the top five of ClutchPoints' preseason Top 25 power rankings. But Dan Hurley's Huskes are 2-0 to start the season and on course to go 3-0 as they are handily beating Wagner at home.
However, Hurley has had to deal with a significant injury concern, with sophomore Nik Khamenia suffering a foot injury in the first half. He has been ruled out for the rest of the game.
During a midgame interview with Andy Katz, Hurley did not have a clear update on Khamenia's condition.
“You've got to just deal with the game. I'll find out something when I walk through the tunnel,” Hurley said.
From the replay, Khamenia appeared to suffer a non-contact injury on his foot. He was casually trying to go for a rebound but then pulled up and started limping, favoring his foot. Khamenia left the game with 11 points and one rebound in seven minutes of action.
Article Continues BelowKhamenia transferred to UConn this season after spending his freshman season at Duke. He's averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 through his first two games as a Huskie. With Khamenia out, Hurley has turned to senior Jayden Ross, sophomore Oskar Giltay, and freshman Colben Landrew to take up minutes in the frontcourt against Wagner.
It remains to be seen whether Khamenia's injury will keep him out for an extended period of time. If it does, it would be a huge blow for the Huskies ahead of a tough early-season stretch. After Wagner, they take on Ohio State at home on Friday. Then it's back-to-back games against No. 12 Arizona and Khamenia's old team, No. 2 Duke.