In a recorded interview that will air on 840 WHAS, Louisville coach Rick Pitino said that sophomore big man Chinanu Onuaku will undergo a minor heart surgery that will only keep him down for about four or five days.
"He's going to have minor surgery today that will keep him out about a week and delay his workouts. He has a thing in his heart that is not real serious but the doctors in the NBA want to get it done to clear him one hundred percent."
Onuaku had a nice improvement from his freshman season in just about every major statistical category and he had a good combine to help his case. He averaged 9.9 points (up from 3.0), 8.5 rebounds (up from 4.6), 2.0 blocks (up from 1.2) and shot 62 percent from the floor. He's done well enough over the course of last season and this offseason that Pitino is convinced Onuaku will keep his name in the NBA Draft as well.
"In his heart of hearts he's 98/2 he wants to go pro. Once you see that you really just say 'go after, give everything you have and let the cards fall where they may.'"
It is not believed that the heart condition will affect his draft status and he is projected by some to go early in the second round. He could be a great steal for someone who can get him to extend his shooting range as he's already got the size to play in the league and can be a good defensive presence.
[h/t The Crunch Zone]
