FARGO -- Freddy Coleman heard the pop in his leg that would end his season -- before it even began.
"It sounded like a firecracker," said Coleman, who during a North Dakota State men's basketball scrimmage last Friday tore his Achilles tendon.
Coleman had just drove in for a layup before he planted his leg to sprint back on defense. After crumpling to the floor, he knew it was serious.
Coleman, a fifth-year senior who was expected to start and play 30 minutes a game this season, will undergo season-ending surgery today to reattach his torn Achilles.
"It's a significant blow," said Bison head coach Saul Phillips.
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Coleman would have been one of four seniors reporting to NDSU's first practice scheduled for Oct. 16. As a junior last year during NDSU's Summit League championship run to the NCAA Tournament, Coleman played in 31 of 33 games -- averaging 9.3 minutes of playing time, 2.5 points and 1.8 rebounds.
"He's lightning in a bottle, especially finishing around the basket," Phillips said of Coleman, who produced a few electrifying dunks last season. "He could pressure the heck out of the ball on the defensive end. He was quickly becoming the heart and soul of this team."
Phillips said the first month of practice will now be used to figure out how to replace Coleman. NDSU, whose only returning starter from last year's 26-7 team is junior forward Michael Tveidt, opens its season Nov. 13 at Utah Valley.
"You hope the sum is greater than the parts, but we have lost a key part, no question," said Phillips, who indicated true freshmen Mike Felt of Redwoods Falls, Minn., and Jordan Aaberg of Rothsay, Minn., may see more playing time now. "Hopefully, we've built a strong foundation."
After today's surgery, Coleman will be in a cast for three to four weeks. Rehabilitation could range from six to 18 months.
Depending how well he recovers, Coleman said he will look into pursuing a medical hardship -- which would allow him another year of eligibility.
"It's day to day right now," Coleman said. "I'll just have to play a new role now. I'll be on the bench cheering now. I'll still be there. I can't lead by example now. It's just a different part of leadership."
"It's really a tough break for a kid who has worked so hard to put himself in a position to be a starter and a leader," Phillips said. "He's been waiting for this moment."
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