Florida State center Micah Handlotten suffered a gruesome injury in the opening minutes of Sunday’s SEC Championship tilt against Auburn.
Handroten went up for the rebound, but landed awkwardly and fell to the floor. Later reports said he had broken his leg and was taken to hospital for further tests.
Mika Handlotten injured. Fuck. I pray for him 🙏 pic.twitter.com/GNJfsPfqh8
— Ted Budwell Ἴ🏈 (@TedBuddy8) March 17, 2024
According to the Associated Press, the sound of Hangroten’s leg breaking could be heard by people sitting nearby.
The 7-1 center posted two messages on his X account after the injury, thanking supporters for their prayers and encouraging them to continue supporting the Gators.
Thank you, Gator Nation, for all your love and prayers! It was more helpful than anyone could have imagined. Please continue to support our players so that they can advance to the top in the NCAAT! i love you all!
💙🐊— Mika Handlogten (@MHandlogten) March 17, 2024
After the surgery, he is thriving! Thank you again to everyone who supported us! 💙🐊
— Mika Handlogten (@MHandlogten) March 18, 2024
The team also posted a message of condolence to the injured players.
#3 for you.
I love you Mika💙 pic.twitter.com/e8KnlvJHdf
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) March 17, 2024
“Micah is a huge asset to our team, especially on the offensive rebounding side. Losing him so early affected us a little bit,” Florida’s Tyrese Samuel said after the game. . “We were trying to win a championship for him. We really care about him. He’s part of our family.
“We’re going to go there next week and keep playing for him.”
Auburn defeated the Gators 86-67.
Nets and the “Champion Sign” after the men’s Southeastern Conference tournament championship game win between the Auburn Tigers and Florida Gators at Bridgestone Arena on March 17, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. Bruce Pearl, head coach of the Auburn Tigers.
Florida was admitted to the NCAA Tournament as the No. 7 seed in the South Division.
