Tasmania JackJumpers guard Sean Macdonald has re-torn his left ACL just over a week after re-signing with the club.
The 25-year-old injured the knee during a controlled one-on-one session at training in Hobart on Tuesday.
Scans and clinical testing later confirmed a tear of his ACL graft.
It comes just eight months after Macdonald underwent surgery to repair the same ligament, which he ruptured while playing for the Boomers on July 31 last year.
He had been progressing well through his rehabilitation and signed a new one-year deal with the JackJumpers in late March.
JackJumpers general manager of basketball operations Darren Smith said the setback was crushing for the young guard.
“It’s devastating, there’s no other word for it,” Smith said.
“Sean has done everything right in the recovery process and was on the eve of getting back in the game, so to have this happen at this point is just heart-breaking.”
Smith said the club and playing group had rallied around Macdonald.
“The club and his teammates have wrapped their arms around him and we’ll support him every step of the way in his recovery.”
Macdonald is now consulting with his surgeon and other medical professionals to determine the next steps.
The injury is another cruel blow for the inaugural JackJumper, who has played just nine NBL games over the past two seasons after a string of ankle, foot and knee issues.
It also leaves the club reshaping its plans for the NBL27 season, with free agency due to open later this month.
Smith said the timing at least gave the JackJumpers some room to adjust their roster.
“We’re in the very early stages of selecting players, so fortunately we have time and flexibility at this point to pivot and give due consideration to the make-up of the team,” he said.
There is no timeline yet for Macdonald’s return to the court.
