Former Syracuse recruit Noel out for the season with torn knee

Posted: 02.13.2013 at 2:13 PM

LEXINGTON, KY (AP) -- Kentucky freshman Nerlens Noel is out for the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his left knee.

Noel tore his ACL on Tuesday night when No. 25 Kentucky lost at Florida. An MRI on Wednesday revealed the injury.

The 6-foot-10 forward will have surgery in the two or three weeks. The projected recovery period is six to eight months.

Noel was hurt with 8 minutes left in the Wildcats' 69-52 loss to No. 7 Florida. He ran into the basket support after blocking a layup from behind. Noel landed awkwardly, dropped to the floor and started screaming while clutching his knee.