Jayhawks’ Bobby Pettiford has surgery, is out for rest of Kansas basketball season
Kansas freshman guard Bobby Pettiford had season-ending surgery Thursday in response to the abdominal strain injury that has bothered him the last several months, KU coach Bill Self announced Friday.
“Bobby had successful surgery to repair a core muscle in his pelvic area that has hampered him since this past fall,” Self said. “In these last couple of weeks, it’s become apparent it was best to go ahead and have the surgery now. Bobby should return to basketball activities in four to six weeks.”
The injury was first mentioned by Self to the media on Dec. 3 after Pettiford, a 6-1, 190-pound native of Durham, North Carolina, missed the second half of the St. John’s game because of the strain.
He missed the next seven games. After playing in the next two games, he missed six of the next 11 contests, including the Jayhawks’ last two games. He also tested positive for COVID in early January.
Pettiford averaged 8.0 minutes a game in 14 games his freshman season. He scored 19 points total with 12 assists to 10 turnovers. He hit 8 of 15 shots for 53.3%. He was 0-for-3 from three and 3-of-4 from the free throw line. He had 13 rebounds in his 14 appearances.
Pettiford in 2020-21 averaged 19.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game for South Granville High School in North Carolina.
Pettiford is South Granville’s all-time leader in scoring (1,944 career points) assists (615) and steals (288).
While at South Granville, Pettiford was part of two conference championships, two conference tournament titles, two conference player of the year awards and a school-record 79 wins.
Pettiford reported to campus last summer after suffering a left foot injury that kept him from practicing much of the summer session. He had three torn ligaments in the ankle with bone bruising.
Self sees a bright future at KU for Pettiford.
“I thought going into the season and early on Bobby had a chance to be the next really good one (point guard) here,” Self said earlier this season. “I still believe that. You can’t evaluate because he’s been hurt. He’s not been healthy.
“Bobby has great balance, a low center of gravity. He has a good handle. He can get his shoulders past people. He is strong. He has a good base. I think he’s going to be one of the better guards we’ve had.”
Of his season, Pettiford said recently: “Every day I’m going against one of the top guards in the country (at practice). I’ve got to bring it every day and be strong. Finishing against guys like Dave (McCormack) and Mitch (Lightfoot) … you’ve got to be ready every play. I’ve worked a lot on playing defense, just moving the ball, guarding for sure.
“I’m a dog who loves to compete. I’m a guard who tries to get my teammates open shots and create for others. That’s what I try to do, try to lead.”
