Andrew Platek shut down with season-ending surgery

Former UNC basketball player Andrew Platek will miss the remainder of the season but hopes to return next year.

Andrew Platek was averaging the best numbers of his career through five games at Siena this season, but that’s all over now. The former Tar Heel had successful surgery to repair the torn Achilles tendon in his left leg on Friday and will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2021-22 campaign.

He suffered the injury during a December 3 double-overtime home loss to Manhattan and knew right away that it wasn’t going to be an easy return to the court. His recovery is expected to take upwards of four months. He’s optimistic, though, that he will rehabilitate and return to the Siena men’s basketball program next season.

"“Unfortunately, with this injury, I will not be able to return this season,” Platek said. “I’m looking forward to attacking my rehab and getting back to where I was physically so that I have the opportunity to go into next year at 100%.”"

Platek had appeared in five games this season and been a starter in three of them. He was averaging nine points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists — all career-highs for the Guilderland, New York native. He was also logging a career-best 20 minutes per game for the 4-6 Saints.

There’s definitely a possibility that we see Platek in a Siena uniform again next year. He should receive a medical redshirt this season, which was initially granted to him by the NCAA due to the COVID-19 affected 2020-21 season. He had to get a waiver to play this season after participating in an unsanctioned summer league, which forced him to miss the Saints’ first three games this fall.

"“It’s unfortunate news and we feel terribly for Andrew, especially after all the hard work he put in both on and off the court to get ready for this season,” Siena coach Carmen Maciariello said. “He loves his teammates and being a Saint, and we are hopeful that he’ll have an opportunity to wear the green and gold again next year. We wish Andrew a successful recovery.”"

Platek had already notched double-digit points in two games this season, first against Georgetown (12) and again in a loss to Bucknell (11). He also had at least three rebounds in each of his five games to begin the season.

Platek’s stint at Siena comes after 127 games in four years as a Tar Heel, 11 of which he started. He scored 334 points, connected on 123 shots from the floor and 46 three-pointers. He scored a career-best 12 points during the fourth game of his freshman season against Portland.