Ball is taking a redshirt season in 2026-27 because of a left-wrist injury that will keep him sidelined.
Notes of well wishes flooded the Instagram page of UConn guard Solo Ball on Tuesday after he announced he underwent surgery on his injured left wrist.
Ball posted a photo from his hospital bed that showed him with his casted wrist in a sling. He added a caption that read, "Thank you God. I’m incredibly thankful for all of the prayers and support from my family, friends and UConn nation. The road to recovery begins."
Current and former teammates, as well as fans and even some opponents, sent their support to Ball.
From UConn backcourt mate Silas Demary Jr.: "road to recovery with you every step of the way."
From Tarris Reed Ir., who played with Ball for two seasons and now is at the NBA Scouting Combine: "Head up champ God got you !!"
And from a fan: "Thanks for some great memories this year. Hope you have an easy recovery!"
The redshirt season
The UConn basketball program announced on April 20 that Ball's banged-up left wrist would require surgery, exactly two weeks after Michigan defeated UConn 69-63 in the natioanal championship game. He had his wrist taped in that game and several before it, as clearly evident in photos.
The school also said that Ball planned to return to Storrs, Conn., for his final season of eligibility in 2027-28.
"Solo is a true Husky and a champion who would do anything to be out on the court," head coach Dan Hurley said in a prepared statement. "This guy has shown throughout his career what a warrior he is. Solo is going to use the season to get his wrist fully healthy and then come back next year as one of the best guards in America while cementing his legacy as an all-time great at UConn."
The Solo Ball file
Ball, 22, joined the Huskies as a freshman in 2023 and was part of the 2024 national championship team. In 39 games (10 starts) that season, he averaged 3.3 points over 11.5 minutes per game.
His game took off the following season when he became a full-time starter. In 35 games, Ball averaged 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 41.4% from 3-point territory.
His numbers slipped slightly in the recently completed season, likely due to a combination of the impact of the injury and the arrival of freshman Braylon Mullins and Georgia transfer Demary. He finished with averages of 12.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
His 3-point completion percentage fell to 30.0%.
Ball also injured his left foot in the Huskies’ win over Illinois in the national semifinal game in Indianapolis. His foot was in a boot before the championship game two days later.
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