Auburn basketball was already set for some major rebuilding under first-year coach Tony Barbee.

Now, it appears the Tigers will face a much steeper climb.

Junior guard Frankie Sullivan, Auburn’s only returning starter and one of the only returning players who logged significant minutes last season, underwent successful knee surgery in Birmingham on Tuesday. There is no timetable set for his return.

“I feel for Frankie,‘’ Barbee said in a university release. “We were all looking forward to him having a big year.

“We know Frankie will use his toughness and work ethic to come back 100 percent and will rejoin the team when he is fully healthy. I am glad
the surgery was a success, and we look forward to him completing his rehab and getting back on the court and helping the team.”

Barbee, who was on the road recruiting, flew in for Sullivan’s surgery, which was performed by renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews at St. Vincent’s Hospital.

AU officials could not specify which knee or what type of surgery was performed.

Auburn was already going to be without more than 60 percent of its scoring and rebounding from last season. The Tigers now return next to nothing, as Sullivan averaged 12.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists last season as the Tigers went 15-17.

Throughout his first two years at Auburn, Sullivan showed flashes of the same scorer who averaged 26.7 points per game as a senior at R.C. Hatch High School.

In the Tigers’ final game last season, Sullivan scored a career-high 27 points in a first-round SEC Tournament losing effort to Florida.

| 737-2561