Nov. 1, 2001

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky sophomore Jason Parker underwent surgery Thursday for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, Coach Tubby Smith announced.

Team physicians Darren Johnson and Scott Mair performed the reconstructive surgery at the UK Hospital. They performed a patella tendon autograft, which replaces the torn ligament with the patient’s own tissue. Parker had received a second opinion last week from Dr. Glenn Perry, the Charlotte Hornets’ team physician, who agreed with the procedure.

Rehabilitation will begin on Friday, Nov. 2 and Parker is expected to return to action when practice begins next October. He will receive a redshirt this season and have three years of eligibility remaining.

Parker first injured the knee in a pickup game on June 24 and underwent surgery July 2. He reinjured the knee on Oct. 12 prior to introductions for UK’s Big Blue Madness.