WASHINGTON, DC - The Howard University men's basketball team received a major blow to its program when top recruit Theodore Boyomo tore the ACL and MCL in his knee during a recent scrimmage that will require surgery and thus end his season before it begins.  A 6-9, 225-pound freshman center from Cameroon, Boyomo played at the Kent School in Kent, CT last year and was heavily recruited.  He was considered a key recruit for first year head coach Kevin Nickelberry.

Boyomo, who had an outstanding summer league, grabbed 21 rebounds during the scrimmage but would injure his knee, much to the disappointment of Nickelberry.

"It is obviously a major blow to the program," said Nickelberry.  "At first, I thought it was just a sprain, but later we realized that it was much more serious.  We were expecting great things from him.  We will support him during this period because we are confident that he will put the same effort into rehab that he brings to the court with his dedication and tenacity."  Boyomo is scheduled for surgery next week.

The Bison, who open the 2010-11 season on Friday, November 12 when they host Bowling Green at Burr Gymnasium at 7 pm, will look to sophomores Charles DeCosta and Mike Phillips to fill the void left by Boyomo.  DeCosta, 6-8, saw limited action last season while Phillips is a 6-7, 230-pound power forward who was named to the 2009-10 MEAC All-Rookie team.