It was the final practice of his junior basketball season. It was his final basketball practice ever due to a knee injury that would keep him from playing the rest of his junior season and, ultimately, his senior season.
Senior Ryan Craig will be undergoing surgery on his knee Nov. 7 by Rolando Izquierdo at Centegra Hospital.
Craig, who placed 14th at the golf state finals, will not be playing basketball at all his senior season after his surgery.
“I decided to have surgery about two weeks after the basketball season ended last year,” said Craig. “The surgery will allow me to have a greater potential for college golf.”
While disappointed, Craig will not be on the boys basketball team this year. Head coach Marty Manning was understanding of the situation.
“I feel bad for him,” said Manning. “It’s awful that he will have to sit out his senior season of basketball, but this will be the best for him.”
Craig is undecided where he will play golf next season, but hopes move on to the next level in his golf career.
“A lot of coaches are done recruiting the class of 2013 for golf,” said Craig. “I’ve sent out information to a lot of coaches and I’m waiting to hear from a lot of coaches.”
Craig is talking to schools like Miami of Ohio, and hopes to play NCAA Division I golf. If not playing in college, Craig wants to go to any big school in the Midwest.
With the years of Huntley High School sports behind him, Craig’s surgery will help him step up his game to the college level.