Nov. 15, 2005

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Villanova forward Curtis Sumpter underwent successful surgery today to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee suffered on Oct. 19 in a practice session at the Pavilion. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. Sumpter remains sidelined indefinitely.

"I spoke with our trainer, Jeff Pierce, who accompanied Curtis to Alabama, and he reported that everything went as planned in surgery," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "(Former Villanova Wildcat and current Toronto Raptor) Alvin Williams and (Minnesota Vikings quarterback) Daunte Culpepper were in the same facility during Curt's visit and I know that the presence of such talented athletes gave Curtis additional comfort as he prepared for the surgery.

"I am very confident Curtis will come back at 100 percent. I have great faith in the expertise of Dr. Andrews, the commitment of our training staff here at Villanova, and Curt's extraordinary will."

Sumpter originally tore the ligament in the left knee on March 20 in Villanova's second round NCAA Tournament victory over Florida. Surgery was performed on April 15 and the native of Brooklyn, N.Y. spent the summer in rehabilitation. However, he re-injured the ligament in October, necessitating today's procedure.

A pre-season All-Big East selection in 2005-06, Sumpter averaged 15.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in 2004-05.

Villanova opens the 2005-06 campaign when it hosts Stony Brook at the Pavilion on Friday evening.