Brisbane’s renewed NBL title hopes have taken a hit with import Vic Law ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.
Law averaged almost 19 points and over eight rebounds across 16 games in his first Australian foray this season and was set to form a potent combination with Lamar Patterson, who has rejoined the squad after a mid-season move from the New Zealand Breakers.
But the Bullets are on the hunt for a replacement small forward after scans revealed the ankle injury that had already kept Law out for three games requires surgery.
It’s a huge blow for the improved Bullets (10-10), who are on the cusp of the top four after a brave win over the Illawarra Hawks on Wednesday night.
“We all know how important Vic is to our basketball team so it is disappointing to know that we won’t see him on court again this season,” Bullets head of basketball Sam Mackinnon said.
“Our medical team worked closely with Vic and explored all options before making this decision but ultimately the right call was to opt for an operation.”
Law will have surgery and complete the early stages of his rehabilitation in Brisbane.
“This is a great endorsement of our medical team and I’m pleased that, as a club, we will be able to support him as he begins his recovery process,” coach Andrej Lemanis said.
“Vic is a great person and teammate … he has been fully engaged with the team and his joy for the group in last night’s win was genuine and wonderful to see.”