Kansas State senior All-American center Ayoka Lee will undergo knee surgery and miss the entire 2022-23 season, coach Jeff Mittie said Thursday.
Lee averaged a school-record 22.0 points per game last season and set an NCAA single-game scoring record with 61 points against Oklahoma on Jan. 23. She also averaged 10.3 rebounds per outing and racked up 95 blocked shots.
“I am devastated for Yokie,” Mittie said in a news release. “She has battled this knee injury for two years. We were hopeful with a summer procedure and extended rest, she would be able to play this upcoming season. Unfortunately, after meeting with the medical staff the last couple of days she will require season-ending surgery.”
Lee ranks ninth in Kansas State history in career points (1,661), sixth in rebounds (887), third in blocked shots (235) and second in double-doubles (49).
Lee said she plans to play for the Wildcats in the 2023-24 season.
“While it deeply saddens me that I cannot be on the court with my teammates this season, I am fully committed to getting healthy and contributing as a leader on the sideline,” Lee said in the release. “Although my role will be different, I am confident in what we will accomplish as a team this year. … I look forward to getting back on the court and finishing my graduate degree in 2023-24.”
–Field Level Media