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Pittsburgh guard undergoes surgery on left knee

Josh Newkirk, Jerian Grant

Josh Newkirk, Jerian Grant

AP

Pittsburgh guard Josh Newkirk’s efforts this summer to improve on his sophomore season will include rehabilitation, as head coach Jamie Dixon announced Wednesday that the rising junior underwent surgery on his left knee Wednesday. The procedure was performed to repair the lateral meniscus and a microfracture in the knee, and Newkirk is expected to be sidelined four to six months.

According to Dixon Newkirk, who averaged 5.9 points and 2.7 assists in just over 20 minutes of action per game last season, is expected to be ready to go when the team begins preseason practice.

While that aspect of the injury is a positive, working to rehab the knee could end up taking away from time that would be used to improve his game if he were healthy. Newkirk will be a key figure for the Panthers as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2014-15 season, with James Robinson back in the starting point guard role.

In addition to Robinson and Newkirk, the Panthers perimeter rotation will include graduate student Sterling Smith, sophomore Cameron Johnson and freshman Damon Wilson. Pittsburgh has good depth at the small forward position, with Jamel Artis and Sheldon Jeter among the options at that position.