Baylor big man Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua, a Baylor Bears player, had surgery Tuesday to fix multiple ligaments in his left leg following a horrific injury that ended his season as the Bears’ national champion Bears.
Tchamwa Tchatchoua (the junior forward, also known as “Everyday Jon”, for his high-energy approach to games and practices, was hurt in the first half Baylor’s win over No. Saturday, 20 Texas Cameroon’s 6-foot-8 and 245-pound player was walking down the court following a missed shot from the Bears. His left leg became awkwardly bent and he fell to the ground in obvious pain.
Scott Drew, Baylor coach, said that Jon’s greatest strength is his smile and positivity. “Knowing Jon, I know he’ll be at rehab early in the morning.”
Drew called the surgery “extensive” and stated that it was too early for Tchamwa Tchatchoua to recover and return from the surgery.
Tchamwa Tchatchoua tweeted, “Baylor Family, I appreciate all your love and prayers!” Tchamwa Tchatchoua wrote, “Baylor family, I trust in GOD so everything will be okay!”
The Bears (24-4), play Texas Tech (11) on Wednesday night.
Tchamwa Tchatchoua, one of three Baylor players who have appeared in all 25 Baylor games thus far, is the only exception. Tchamwa Tchatchoua has been able to come off the bench and average 8.4 points per game while grabbing a team-leading 6.8 boards (fifth in Big 12). He plays about 21 minutes per game. Last week, he scored 21 points at Kansas State, a record for him.
Flo Thamba (6-10), is a senior post and has started all of this season’s games. When they won their first national championship, the Bears used their big-man combo in exactly the same manner.
Tchamwa Tchatchoua was injured just eight minutes into the Texas match. Thamba continued to play for a record-breaking 30 minutes. Thamba had his first double-double of the season (12 points, 11 rebound and four blocked shots).
“I’ll do more than fine. Thamba stated Tuesday that he would be good at playing for extended periods of time. “I can stay longer in a game because we had practice in the summer. I will still be aggressive and I will still be physical. It’s more about the aspect of being smarter. Avoid situations in which you are certain you will be called for a foul. My physicality and intensity will not change.”
Jeremy Sochan, a freshman forward, can play at No. 5 spot. Zach Loveday (7-foot), a sophomore from the Bears, has appeared in 10 games this season.
Drew stated, “It seems like everyone’s going five guards anyways but Jeremy has already had reps there and Zach’s been there all year.” These are your initial reactions. Then, you can go from there to whatever the game demands.”
