Nick Anderson Underwent Knee Surgery in June
The San Diego State guard is seeking an NCAA medical waiver for a sixth season after suffering a torn ACL.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Basketball
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San Diego State guard Nick Anderson underwent surgery in June 2026 to repair an ACL tear sustained during a non-contact drill in May. The athlete, who previously played for Rice University, is currently seeking an NCAA medical waiver to grant him a sixth year of college eligibility.
Why it matters
The waiver application remains critical to Anderson's career trajectory as he seeks to return to the court following his injury. If approved, the waiver would allow the guard to extend his collegiate tenure despite having previously received a medical exemption at Prairie View A&M.
Nick Anderson, a 6-foot-3 guard, averaged 15.5 points per game and shot 40% from 3-point range last season. His teammate Isaiah Sy, a 6-7 transfer from Oregon State, has also joined the San Diego State roster.
The players
Nick Anderson
He is a 6-foot-3 guard at San Diego State University who previously played basketball at Rice University and Prairie View A&M.
Sergio Ibarra
He serves as the athletic trainer for San Diego State University and is overseeing the daily rehabilitation sessions for Anderson.
Isaiah Sy
He is a 6-7 basketball player who transferred to San Diego State University from Oregon State.
The details
Anderson is working through a daily rehabilitation regimen that includes strength training, shooting drills, and sessions on an anti-gravity treadmill led by athletic trainer Sergio Ibarra. He is currently focused on his recovery at San Diego State with the goal of returning to play by early 2027.
Timeline
May 2026: Anderson tore his ACL during a non-contact drill.
June 2026: Anderson underwent surgery to repair his torn ACL.
July 2026: The athlete officially applied for an NCAA medical waiver.
Late December 2026: Anderson may become a full practice participant.
January 2027: The guard could potentially return to game play.
Season Trajectory
This injury impacts San Diego State's rotation and roster depth for the upcoming season. Anderson's availability remains a primary variable in the team's ability to maintain its offensive production from the perimeter.
The timing of Anderson's potential return in January suggests he would miss the non-conference portion of the schedule. His 40% 3-point shooting ability will remain a significant loss for the offense until he is cleared for gameplay.
The takeaway
Recovering from an ACL tear requires a disciplined approach to physical therapy and patience with medical timelines. Student-athletes often must rely on administrative flexibility from governing bodies to continue their playing careers after significant injuries.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster changes and upcoming season expectations, visit San Diego Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Diego Union-Tribune.
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