BYU Collinsworth Has Career Ending Foot Surgery

Brigham Young University basketball player Chris Collinsworth just recently tweeted: "The harder you work, the luckier you are."
Unfortunately, that motto did not work in his own personal favor.

As much as he's worked to overcome injuries, Collinsworth had a major setback on Monday that will end his basketball career. He will have career ending microfracture ankle surgery, a major operation with a very lengthy recovery period that he's already gone through with his knee.
Collinsworth, who is six years out of high school, would have been a sophomore forward this season. His basketball career was highly anticipated because of the success he had at Provo High.
"I can't imagine the disappointment that Chris and his family must be feeling at this moment, " said BYU coach Dave Rose. "I wish him the very best with this latest setback and hope his ankle can be repaired and heal with a full recovery. Chris is a wonderful competitor and a great teammate and we will miss him very much. I will always respect and admire his desire, dedication, and passion to return to the court to help his teammates. I wish Chris (wife) Tatum, and their families the very best in this difficult time."
Collinsworth's most productive season was his freshman year when he played 35 games and started 6, averaging 4.8 rebounds and 3.2 points for a Cougar team that won 27 games and reached the NCAA tournament.
He then served an LDS mission and his basketball career was never the same. He was attacked and stabbed in Australia. Knee issues have limited Collinsworth to 11 games in the past two seasons.
Collinsworth had microfracture knee surgery during the 2010-11 season and was sidelined for the rest of the year. Arthroscopic knee surgery kept him limited last year and he spent time rehabbing for this upcoming season.
"This will be my third straight year having surgery and all have been pretty serious. It's been really hard physically and  mentally and it's time to move on. When the door on one opportunity closes, others open and I'm ready to move on and explore those other options," said Collinsworth.
He will stay in school and will still be on scholarship as BYU can grant that through an NCAA medical-hardship waiver.
Collinsworth began experiencing pain in his left ankle during summer workouts A recent MRI revealed the need for microfracture surgery. Recovery will take eight months.
"I'm very grateful to my coaches, the medical staff, my teammates and the fans who have supported me the past two years and who will continue to support me through this. It's frustrating because I've been a part of such great teams and had such great teammates but I haven't been able to fully contribute since my freshman year. I wish them all the best," said Collinsworth.
If you are are suffering from a sports related foot injury, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Newington, Kensington, and Middletown, CT
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