April 24, 2003

Villanova, Pa. - Freshman forward Jason Fraser underwent successful surgery on both of his knees earlier this month and is presently rehabilitating from the procedures. His recovery period is expected to be 3-4 months.

"Jason experienced chronic calcific patella tendinitis throughout last season in both of his knees," said Villanova team orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rob Good, who performed the surgeries on April 9. "The areas around his kneecaps were chronically inflamed and we nursed them along as best we could during the season.

"The surgery went as well as we could have hoped for it to. We repaired the tendons and removed the calcium deposits in both knees. Jason is doing very well and is ahead of schedule at this early stage of his rehabilitation."

A 6-10 native of Amityville, N.Y., Fraser played in 24 games in 2002-03, starting 22, averaging 7.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. In addition, his 1.3 blocks per game led the Wildcats in that department.

Fraser also was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left foot on Feb. 24 that sidelined him until March 7. Although physicians cleared him to return to action at that point, Fraser sat out Villanova's final three games of the season as he served a suspension for his role in the misuse of a university telephone access code.

It is anticipated that Fraser's recovery from surgery will continue throughout the summer. He is presently wearing braces on both knees.

"Our hope is that he will be back in time to resume playing basketball in September," said Good.

"It was obvious that Jason played through a lot of pain last season," said Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "We have great confidence in Rob Good and he is optimistic about Jason's recovery. We all must support Jason as he takes on this challenge of rehabilitation."