STORRS, CT – University of Connecticut guard Solo Ball will miss the entire 2026-27 college basketball season after undergoing wrist surgery. The program announced Monday that Ball will take a medical redshirt and is expected to return for the 2027-28 season.
Ball played through a significant left wrist injury, his shooting hand, for much of the past season, even as UConn advanced to the national championship game. Despite the injury, which he initially sustained in mid-December, he appeared in 39 of the Huskies' 40 games, starting all but one. He averaged 12.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, earning Second Team All-Big East honors. He was also a top-five finalist for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award.
Injury Details and Impact
The guard's wrist issue, compounded by a left foot sprain sustained in the Final Four win over Illinois, necessitated the decision for surgery and a medical redshirt. This approach allows Ball to focus on a full recovery, with the aim of returning as a top guard in the nation for the 2027-28 campaign, potentially cementing his legacy at UConn.
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"Solo is a true Husky and a champion who would do anything to be out on the court," said head coach Dan Hurley. "He is going to use the season to get his wrist fully healthy and then come back next year as one of the best guards in America while cementing his legacy as an all-time great at UConn.”
Ball's absence places increased expectations on returning guards such as Braylon Mullins, who announced his return for his sophomore season, and Silas Demary Jr., the team's starting point guard. Versatile perimeter player Jayden Ross is also expected to step into a larger role. The Huskies have also bolstered their roster through transfers like Nikolas Khamenia (Duke) and Najai Hines (Seton Hall), alongside recruits Colben Landrew and Junior County.
Ball's Record at UConn
Ball has been a consistent presence for the Huskies over the last two seasons, starting 74 games. He is already 10th in program history with 199 career 3-pointers and ranks 44th on UConn's all-time scoring ledger. In his three college seasons, he has appeared in 113 games (84 starts).
The decision comes after a season where Ball scored in double figures in 25 of the team's 39 games. Notably, he scored a season-high 26 points in a December win against Butler, despite the ongoing wrist injury. He was also a key contributor during the Huskies' NCAA Tournament run, scoring in double figures in multiple high-stakes games, including the national championship loss to Michigan.
Read More: UConn's Solo Ball to Miss 2026-27 Season After Wrist Surgery
