KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee sophomore Wayne Chism was
hospitalized Tuesday after being knocked unconscious when a
teammate struck him in the head with an elbow during basketball
practice.
Chism was alert after being taken by ambulance to University of
Tennessee Medical Center, basketball spokesman Craig Pinkerton
said. Preliminary tests came back negative but more were being
conducted, Pinkerton said.
The center, one of four returning Volunteers starters, was
expected to be held overnight for observation.
Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl told The Knoxville News Sentinel
that Chism was hurt when Jordan Howell drove to the basket and
caught him with an elbow. The blow appeared to stagger Chism, who
fell to the floor and was knocked unconscious.
Chism was taken to the hospital on a stretcher and wearing a
neck brace. His teammates did a group prayer and later arrived at
the hospital, Pearl said.
Chism was an unanimous selection to the All-SEC freshman team
last season. The Jackson, Tenn., native led Tennessee with 5.2
rebounds a game and averaged nine points.