Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports
On Tuesday morning, Sporting News college basketball insider Mike DeCourcy tweeted the news that UCLA Bruins‘ newcomer Wanaah Bail will undergo knee surgery and is expected to be sidelined for the next four months.
The news of Bail’s surgery and knee injury is just the latest setback for a prospect that has bounced around since ending his high school career in 2012. Bail originally committed to the Texas Tech Red Raiders, but he never suited up for the squad before opting to pursue a collegiate career elsewhere. He pledged his decision to the Bruins and newly appointed head coach Steve Alford earlier this summer.
At 6-foot-8, Bail has some untapped potential and it remains to be seen what he can offer UCLA down the line. A former member of the class of 2012, Bail has received some high praise for having a decently high ceiling if he can finally settle in and find a niche within the Bruins’ rotation.
In addition to the news surrounding Bail’s surgery, DeCourcy also tweeted that there was no update on whether or not Bail will receive a waiver to play for the Bruins this season. If the NCAA denies this inquiry, Bail would not be eligible to take the court with the Bruins until the 2014-15 season per the NCAA’s guidelines on transfers.
Either way, his surgery and four month recovery is now the focus and only time will tell if he will be available for UCLA this upcoming season.
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
