Head Coach Mark Turgeon announced that Forward Ivan Bender will miss the rest of the 2017-2018 season with a torn meniscus.
The injury occurred in the second half of Maryland’s 66-45 win over UMBC, which was the Terrapins’ first game since announcing Justin Jackson has a torn labrum.
UPDATE: Mark Turgeon announced today that junior forward Ivan Bender has a torn meniscus in his right knee and will miss the remainder of 2017-2018 season.https://t.co/TNGUdBRIOP
— Maryland Men’s Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) December 31, 2017
Bender took a hit to his right leg and walked off the floor into the locker room. He did not return to the bench for the rest of the game, which raised questions about the severity of this injury.
Mark Turgeon discussed after the game that this team will now have to play very small lineups heading into Big Ten play. Jackson and Bender were the two key players at the power forward position for Maryland, which is now led by Joshua Tomaic.
The gap in size will leave Maryland suspect on defense, but could allow for the deep backcourt to have more scoring opportunities. Jared Nickens will now split time at the forward position, which will cause mis matches against some larger forwards who may be suspect when it comes to perimeter defense.
Bender and Jackson account for about 13 points and 10 rebounds per game, which are two stats Maryland needs to continue improving. Perhaps Turgeon will find more minutes to rotate in Sean Obi and Michal Cekovsky to play alongside Bruno Fernando. With the way the offense has been questionable, a two center setup may be more productive.
Both Bender and Jackson will have surgery on their injuries. Per Roman Stubbs, bender is scheduled later this week, and Jackson has yet to be scheduled.