Two different players. Two different times. One similar injury.
Derek Anderson, a former University of Kentucky basketball player, came to help Nerlens Noel after he was injured in the February 12th game. Noel was carried off the court by teammates.
The wildcat was later confirmed to have torn his ACL, ending his season.
It's a situation Anderson knows all too well.
"When I tore my ACL up my senior year...and I know it hurts me to this day still. I couldn't play in that game," he said Thursday.
'That game' was in the middle of the '96-'97 season. Anderson had only played 18 games with UK, and couldn't finish the year.
The former cat said he plans to help Noel through the next few steps.
"When he starts the rehab, I'll be there. I'll be there mentally, you know, whatever I need to do to assist him to make sure he gets his mind right. And to find a great path and getting his career back on track."
And as to whether Noel will ever see a court again?
"Yeah. Absolutely. He'll be back," said Anderson.
