MSU Basketball Loses Freshman for Season To Injury

Freshman guard DeAndre Applewhite has been lost for the season to a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI/MSU Athletics) —  DeAndre Applewhite’s debut at Mississippi State has been put on hold for a year as the freshman guard from Memphis will undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee.

The injury was sustained last Friday during practice, while an MRI late Monday revealed the damage.

The date of the surgery has not yet been determined.

“I’m disappointed for DeAndre because he had put in a lot of hard work and dedication to become a better basketball player,” first-year MSU coach Rick Ray said. “But I know the type of kid he is. He’ll work extremely hard with his rehab, and he’ll come back next year ready to go to help us become a better team.”

The 6-foot-5, 217-pound Applewhite signed with MSU following a stellar career at Central High School in Memphis.

As a senior, his team posted a 20-10 ledger and advanced to the Class A title game, where he scored a game-high 26 points in a loss to rival Memphis East. In the semifinals, he registered 29 points, 10 rebounds and six steals against Clarksville.

Following the playoffs, he was tabbed regional MVP and garnered all-tournament honors.

Applewhite is the second freshman MSU player since July to be lost for the season. In August, Jacoby Davis had surgery to repair a torn ACL as well.