Ray Smith Injury: Updates on Arizona Star's Knee and Recovery

The University of Arizona's men's basketball team took a major hit Saturday, as it was announced that freshman forward Ray Smith will miss the entire 2015-16 season, according to ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman.

Continue for updates.

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Smith Out for Season with Torn ACL

Saturday, Oct. 24

Arizona officially revealed Smith's status Saturday, and head coach Sean Miller had this to say about the supremely talented wingman, per Anthony Gimino of TucsonNewsNow.com:

According to 247Sports, Smith is a 5-star prospect from Las Vegas who ranks as the No. 19 overall player in his class and the No. 4 small forward.

Per Evan Daniels of Scout, early returns for Smith were great, as he figured to play a big role for a Wildcats team that lost Stanley Johnson to the NBA.

Arizona knew it was taking a risk to some degree when it brought him in after he tore his ACL last year in high school, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.

Smith must now work his way back to full health once again, and Arizona teammate Allonzo Trier is among those who feel for him:

There is no question that being without Smith will severely damage the Wildcats' chances in 2015-16. It also creates an interesting situation moving forward.

He could opt to return next season, but he was a potential one-and-done player anyway. That means entering the NBA draft rather than risking another injury is a possibility as well.

Both Smith and the Wildcats are in a tough spot, and there will be plenty for both sides to consider as it relates to Smith's future with the team.

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