Fitch re-aggravates hernia injury

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky guard Gerald Fitch re-aggravated a hernia on Wednesday in Orlando, Fla., where he was trying out for the U.S. team that will compete in the 2003 Pan-American Games.

Fitch and teammate Chuck Hayes made the list of 17 finalists after an initial tryout in late May. Fitch developed the injury during that tryout, but was cleared by doctors to continue the process.

Hayes remains in Florida trying to make the final 12-man roster, which will be announced next week.

The 6-foot-3 Fitch started 35 of 36 games last season and was Kentucky's second-leading scorer (12.3 points per game). He was third on the team in assists (2.4 per game) and was the Wildcats' top 3-point shooter (41.5 percent).

Fitch returned to Lexington on Wednesday.

"We were hoping that Gerald's hernia would not be a problem during this week's tryouts," said Kentucky coach Tubby Smith. "This is not only a blow for Gerald, but also for USA Basketball.

"We will now focus on getting him the attention he needs to recover in time for his senior season."

The basketball tournament within the Pan-Am Games runs from Aug. 2-6 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

 

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