Tide's Steele to undergo surgery
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama junior point guard Ronald Steele spent the entire 2006-07 season trying to overcome medical issues with both knees. Now doctors will examine the Birmingham native in an effort to diagnose the problem.
Noted sports physician James Andrews issued a statement on Wednesday explaining the procedure Ronald Steele will undergo next Tuesday in Birmingham.
"Ronald Steele will undergo diagnostic arthroscopy of both knees to evaluate ongoing symptoms," Andrews said. "The procedure will be performed at St. Vincent's Hospital by (Alabama team physician) Dr. E Lyle Cain Jr. and Dr. James R. Andrews. It will be necessary for Mr. Ronald Steele to complete physical therapy following surgery, and he is expected to return to full activity for next season."
After leading the Crimson Tide in scoring at 14.3 points per game in 2006 and earning all-Southeastern Conference honors as a sophomore, the former two-time "Mr. Basketball" was a preseason first-team selection to the All-America team. He was plagued the entire season by injuries, however, and averaged just 8.6 points per game while sitting out six of Alabama's 32 games due to injury.
"My No. 1 concern right now is with Ronald Steele and doing everything we possibly can to help him get back to 100 percent," Alabama coach Mark Gottfried said. "I'm more concerned about Ronald Steele, the individual than, Ronald Steele, the player, and we want to ensure that his health continues to undergo the best care and that he has a long future in basketball."
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