EL PASO, TEXAS - UTEP senior forward Roy Smallwood is out for the remainder of the 2002-03 season after tearing the ACL in his left knee during the first half of Wednesday's 80-58 loss at New Mexico State. The injury will require surgery, which will be performed in 2003. He tore his ACL in the same knee during his prep career at Milby High School in Houston.
Smallwood ranks 16th on the Miners' all-time scoring list (1,119 points), as well as sixth in blocked shots (99) and ninth in steals (101). He is currently averaging 6.0 points and 7.2 rebounds. He is tied for the team lead with seven blocked shots and six steals, and ranks second on the squad in rebounding.
Smallwood is one of just 18 players in school history to amass 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. He was named the 2000 WAC Freshman of the Year. UTEP athletic department officials are currently investigating the possibility of a medical redshirt year for the 6-6, 210-pound Smallwood.