Feb. 18, 2004

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Junior forward Marcus Austin (Irvington, N.J.) underwent successful surgery on his left foot on Monday at Pennsylvania Hospital. Austin will begin rehabilitation on the foot in the coming weeks but will not return to the court in 2003-04.

Dr. Paul Hecht performed the surgery in which a screw was inserted into Austin's foot to help correct a fracture of his fifth metatarsal bone.

"Marcus tried to play through the pain but this injury was really becoming an impediment to him," stated head coach Jay Wright. "Our team surgeon Dr. Rob Good and Dr. Hecht informed me that they were very pleased with how the surgery went. I know Marcus will be dedicated to his recovery and we look forward to having him back at full strength next season."

Austin's only action this year came on Dec. 28 when he logged seven minutes of playing time in a victory over UNC Greensboro. He collected three rebounds and scored one point.