The Colorado State men’s basketball team has been dealt a heavy blow before the season has even begun.
In a news release late Wednesday, CSU announced that senior guard Isaiah Stevens sustained a foot injury in practice that will require surgery. While there is no timetable for his return, the injury is not season-ending.
Stevens averaged14.7 points, 4.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds for the Rams last season. He was a Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year finalist last season and a second-team All-Mountain West selection. He enters this season second on the program’s all-time assists list with 443 and is in the Top 25 all-time in scoring with 1,309.
“First and foremost, myself and the team feel terrible for Isaiah,” CSU head coach Niko Medved said in the release. “He is a special player and a tremendous leader. We are confident that Isaiah will get through this and make a full recovery. While we know that his presence and leadership will be missed, I know this team will respond. We will continue to work diligently, and we are really excited to get this season started.”
CSU opens the 2022-23 season Nov. 7 when the Rams host Gardner Webb. They will have an exhibition game against MSU Denver on Oct. 28. The team will also have an open scrimmage Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. at Moby Arena.
The Mountain West conference is scheduled to reveal its men’s basketball preseason poll and preseason awards next week. That poll and those awards were voted on before Stevens’ injury. The Rams renew their rivalry with the CU Buffs on Dec. 8.
