Michigan State senior guard Eron Harris (knee) out for the season
Graham Couch / Lansing State Journal
EAST LANSING — Michigan State guard Eron Harris’ college career is over.
The senior from Indianapolis will undergo surgery on his right knee after injuring it during Saturday’s 80-63 defeat at No. 16 Purdue, another major loss as Tom Izzo’s team tries to balance a small and young lineup while pushing for an NCAA tournament berth.
“This is a hard pill to swallow right now,” junior point guard Tum Tum Nairn said after Saturday’s game. “Another senior, a scorer, a great team guy — in this last stretch of his senior year.”
Harris drove to the basket with 9:18 to play in the second half, contorted his body for a lay-up and landed awkwardly under the hoop. He had to be wheeled off the court on a stretcher to a standing ovation from the Purdue fans. A number of Harris’ teammates were crying.
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Harris responded to his supporters who have poured in with well-wishes on Sunday night on Twitter.
“You don’t know how much it means to me,” Harris wrote.”Much love to you all. Ill be back!!!”
It’s the third season-ending knee injury for an MSU senior this season. Gavin Schilling and Ben Carter, both 6-foot-9 forwards, were lost during preseason workouts, which is part of the reason coach Tom Izzo is struggling to juggle his post players.
“He’s like a big brother for me, so I’m just praying for him,” freshman Miles Bridges said of Harris. “We were the same way with Gavin, the same way with Ben. But, I mean, Eron’s our big brother.”
A release from MSU did not disclose the specifics but termed it a “significant injury” in a released statement. Harris had an…