Feb. 9, 2000

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest sophomore forward Niki Arinze, a starter in 18 games this year, will miss the remainder of the 1999-2000 season after being diagnosed with a dislocating tendon near his right ankle. School medical officials confirmed the diagnosis of a subluxing peroneal tendon on Monday evening with a MRI.

The injury limits Arinze's ability to make sharp cuts or jump off his right ankle. The Wake Forest medical staff will use an initial conservative treatment of placing Arinze in a walking boot for the next four to six weeks. At that point his condition will be reevaluated to determine if other medical procedures will be necessary.

"Niki's loss comes at a crucial point in the season," said Wake Forest head coach Dave Odom. "It presents yet another obstacle for our team to overcome.

"This is certainly a difficult blow for us. But as badly as I feel for the team, I feel that much worse for Niki given that he has been through so much already in his career. However, he understands rehabilitation and he is very diligent in that regard, so we expect a full recovery and look forward to having him back on the court next year."

Arinze, who missed all but five games last year with a dislocated left shoulder, played in each of the team's first 21 games this season before suffering the injury. The 6'5 forward was averaging 5.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.