Sept. 4, 2002

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina senior center Marius Petravicius underwent a two-stage surgical procedure to repair knee and heel damage Monday, but is expected to be at full strength when the Gamecocks open practice in October.

The Kltenenu, Lithuania native had a right knee arthroscope to clean up cartilage damage, followed by an arthroscope of his left ankle to remove a heel spur. Petravicius began rehabilitation Wednesday and has a recovery time of four to six weeks. The Gamecocks begin preseason practice October 12.

USC basketball team physicians Dr. Jeffrey Guy, Dr. Angus McBryde and Dr. James O’Leary performed the surgeries.

Petravicius averaged 5.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in 34 contests for the Gamecocks a year ago.