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Johnny Hamilton Is Out For The Season Due To Thumb Injury

Johnny hamilton high fives fans after win over maine
[caption id="attachment_4380" align="aligncenter" width="683"]Johnny Hamilton high fives fans after win over Maine Johnny Hamilton high fives fans after win over Maine [Credit: Harley Taylor][/caption]The Virginia Tech Hokies have gotten off to a strong start this season with a 7-1 record including wins over Michigan and Nebraska while having as big as a 17-point lead over Texas A&M before losing to the Aggies by 3 in the Wooden Legacy semifinals. The Hokies have had a core rotation of 8 so far that has been quite effective with Kerry Blackshear joining that if he is able to play this season. With Blackshear's injury, there was some concern about frontcourt depth with Khadim Sy being the only player over 6'7'' in that regular rotation but the Hokies having Johnny Hamilton as well. However, that is unfortunately not the case anymore. https://twitter.com/VT_MBBall/status/807334095651045382 Senior center Johnny Hamilton is out for the rest of the season due a ruptured tendon in his left thumb that will require season-ending surgery. The senior from Trinidad & Tobago averaged 3.7 points and 1.3 rebounds in three game this season for the Hokies including a season-high 9 points against High Point. Here's a quote from Buzz Williams on the season-ending injury to Hamilton. (Full release link here)
“I hate for this to happen to any player, especially a senior,” head coach Buzz Williams said. “Johnny has worked hard in his time at Virginia Tech and will continue to be a valuable member of this team, though, unfortunately, he will not be able to play. Johnny will now concentrate on achieving the main goal of any student-athlete, that of earning his college diploma.”
The injury is heartbreaking for Hamilton who has struggled to gain playing time for the Hokies especially this season. Based on the release and the comments from Buzz Williams, it seems like Hamilton will either graduated and move on or use a graduate transfer to play elsewhere if he is able to get a medical redshirt which he likely would be able to. The injury shouldn't impact the Hokies on the court much given how he had only played 3 times this season and only once for more than 3 minutes. However, this injury could be an issue if Blackshear isn't able to return this season, and the Hokies suffer an injury to someone like Khadim Sy or even a Zach LeDay or Chris Clarke. We wish for a speedy and full recovery for Johnny Hamilton and for the best in his future endeavors whatever they may be. Stay up with The Tech Lunch Pail for the latest on the Hokies via Facebook and Twitter plus subscribe to our email updates.
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