Jan. 6, 2003

South Carolina senior forward Chris Warren was injured in practice Sunday afternoon at the USC Basketball Practice Facility when he rolled his foot, after it was stepped on. After examination and x-rays, team doctors determined he broke a small bone in his left ankle (the posterior process of the talus bone). Along with the broken bone, he also suffered a severe high ankle sprain. His ankle had immediate swelling.

Warren’s initial treatment will involve cast immobilization and ice. He will begin rehabilitation after the swelling is diminished. It is expected he will be out at least three weeks, but his injury will be re-evaluated next week.

“You just feel so badly for the players, but at the same time this struggle will help make them better, stronger and tougher. That’s the way we will approach this,” said USC Head Coach Dave Odom. “It looks a bit rough right now, but in the long run it will be beneficial because it will give other players a chance to contribute right away. We need to get tighter as team, more committed, doing the small things better.”

Warren’s injury adds to the Gamecock disabled list as senior center Marius Petravicius is also sidelined with a partial tear of his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), suffered during The Citadel win on Thursday (1/2/03).

QUICK NOTES ON WARREN (6’5, F, Garland, Texas) * Averaging 6.5 ppg and 2.2 rpg

* BEST GAME: 13 PT, 4 REB, 1 AS, 0 TO, 4-8 FG, 2-3 3P, 3-4 FT, 26 MIN vs. App. State (11/30)

* OTHER TOP GAMES: 11 PT, 2 REB, 2 ST in his second start against The Citadel; 8 PT, 4 REB, 1 AS, 4 REB, 2-2 FT in first start of the year at Colorado State; 9 PT, 3 REB, 1 AS in 25 MIN at Wyoming; 12 PT, 2 REB, 1 AS, 4-6 FG, 4-4 FT vs. S.C. State

* Had good 2-game stretch vs. S.C. State & App. State (12.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 72.7% FG)

* Has made 12-16 FT (75%)

* Has 12 TO in 181 total MIN on the court

* In his second season after transferring from Collin County (Tex.) CC

SOUTH CAROLINA’S KITCHEN CONTINUES TO IMPROVE

South Carolina senior Tony Kitchings, out since Nov. 29 with a broken hand, practiced three times with the Gamecock basketball team this weekend and continued to make progress. It is expected he will receive considerable playing time in the SEC opener against Mississippi on Wednesday.

“We are pleased with his progress. He is doing very well and continues to prepare to return the line-up,” said USC Head Coach Dave Odom.