Oct. 21, 2004

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Junior forward Jason Fraser is scheduled to undergo exploratory arthoscopic surgery on his left knee on Friday, Oct. 22, it was announced today. The surgery will be performed by Villanova team orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rob Good at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Fraser participated in Villanova's first two official practices last weekend. However, he experienced swelling in the knee that prevented him from practicing on Monday and Tuesday. The Wildcats did not practice on Wednesday.

"Once again, we all truly feel for Jason," stated head coach Jay Wright. "We all pray that this is a simple procedure that allows him to get back to 100 percent. Jason has been an inspiration to his teammates with his positive attitude in this difficult situation."

Friday's surgery will be the second procedure conducted on Fraser's knee in the last 18 months. In April of 2003, the junior from Amityville, N.Y. underwent surgery to help alleviate chronic tendinitis in the knee (he underwent a similar procedure on his right knee at the same time). In addition, a stress fracture in his left foot caused Fraser to miss nine of Villanova's first 10 games in 2003-04.