Kanye Clary injury update: Terrible news emerges on Mississippi State guard

Mississippi State will be without one of its key players for the rest of the year, as guard Kanye Clary has been ruled out for the season.

Clary suffered a lower leg injury in early December and has not played since.

Head coach Chris Jans announced on his weekly radio show on Tuesday night that Clary will officially be out for the season, On3’s Robbie Faulk reported. Faulk also reported that Kanye Clary will seek a redshirt.

The Penn State transfer had averaged 6.3 points, 2.6 assists and 1.3 rebounds per game in the first seven contests this season for Mississippi State, starting four of those games. His absence will deprive the Bulldogs of a key piece in the backcourt.

Though he had yet to really break out for the Bulldogs, the potential was certainly there from the former Nittany Lions star. Clary averaged 16.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game during the 2023-24 season for Penn State.

However, Kanye Clary was dismissed from the Penn State team midway through the 2023-24 season in what coach Mike Rhoades described as a ‘coach’s decision.’

Zakai Zeilger leaves the floor for Tennessee

The news on Kanye Clary wasn’t the only major injury news in the Southeastern Conference on Tuesday night. Tennessee might have narrowly avoided a really big blow.

Star point guard Zakai Zeigler went for a layup with 2:17 to go in the first half of a game against Kentucky and his knee appeared to lock up. He immediately headed toward the sideline for further evaluation, pulling himself out of the game.

Zeigler came out to warm up at the halftime break, though. He ended up starting the second half, and ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath said the medical staff’s concerns came down to pain and swelling.

“Zeigler was manually evaluated by Tennessee’s medical staff. It was determined he didn’t need any X-Rays. They did not fear any structural damage. When he ran out of the tunnel to warm up, the entire arena had some relieved cheers. He warmed up, moved well, showed no limitations. The Tennessee staff is concerned about pain and swelling. They’re going to keep an eye on him, but what a relief, Zeigler is returning.”

Positive news on Zakai Zeigler then, if not on Kanye Clary.

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this report.