Sept. 10, 2010

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Freshman guard James Bell (Orlando, Fla./Montverde Academy) underwent successful surgery on Wednesday to address stress fractures in the tibia of both legs. Bell remains sidelined for an undetermined length of time.

"James has had chronic stress fractures that have been bothering him for as long as a year and a half," stated Villanova Team Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Rob Good, who performed the surgery. "The fractures hadn't responded to the non-operative treatment the way we would have liked and the concern was that if we didn't address these fractures now, they could become complete fractures.

"We inserted metal rods from the knee to the ankle. The rods will do two things: stimulate new healing around the fractures and stabilize the tibia. The surgery went well and we're optimistic we can get those fractures to heal."

"This has been a tough stretch for James at the start of his freshman year," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "He has handled this all with great maturity and I know he will approach his rehab with determination. We will continue to monitor his progress as he goes through rehab."

Bell. 6-5, was a third team All-American choice of USA Today and a fourth team selection by Parade Magazine. He averaged 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.3 steals per game during his senior season at Montverde Academy.

In an additional note, it was announced today that Russell Wooten, a 6-4 walk-on who played 22 games for the Wildcats from 2008-10, has been added to the 2010-11 roster. The native of Chula Vista, Cal., earned his undergraduate degree last May and is now enrolled in graduate school at Villanova.