Allen Flanigan to miss significant time following Achilles procedure

The Auburn Tigers revealed today that guard Allen Flanigan would miss between 12 to 14 weeks following a procedure done to repair his Achilles tendon. On3’s Justin Hokanson reported that Flanigan’s procedure last week would keep him out for at least three months.

Allen Flanigan’s Achilles injury

Auburn fans received the bad news Tuesday about the team’s star guard and potential NBA first-round draft pick. Flanigan suffered a non-basketball related trauma recently that required the procedure performed on his Achilles tendon.

“Allen Flanigan, the Tigers’ leading returning scorer, will miss 12-14 weeks of action after an offseason injury, sources tell Auburn Live,” reported Hokanson. “Flanigan injured his right Achilles in a scooter accident in August. Flanigan underwent surgery on September 3.”

The procedure was performed last week at Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, and was considered a successful surgery by the team.

“Allen is one of our top players and top players in the SEC,” head coach Bruce Pearl stated. “I’m disappointed for him, but know he will do everything in his power to get back and lead us this season.”

“Allen was one of the most improved players in the country this year,” Pearl said after Flanigan decided to return for his junior season. “His toughness, work ethic, athleticism and skill put him in position to realize all his goals. Allen would probably have gone in the second round if he stayed in the draft. I know how badly he wanted to improve his stock and have an opportunity to play for a championship. He cares about Auburn and he wants to win championships. He’s going to be a lot of fun to coach next year.”

Auburn will begin their season Nov. 9 at home against Morehead State. Flanigan’s injury is expected to have him miss time until December.

Flanigan’s success at Auburn

Flanigan joined Auburn as a freshman in 2019 labeled a four-star recruit by ESPN, and was selected as the number one player in Arkansas by ESPN as well.

In his freshman season Flanigan saw action in every game of the year but only started three games and played 13.8 minutes per game. Even as a freshman his rebounding numbers impressed as a guard, pulling down at least four rebounds in ten games.

In 2020, Flanigan had a breakout season starting with the Tigers, averaging 14.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists on the season. Flanigan ended the year as the 14th highest scoring player in the SEC, the most improved scorer in the conference. He would also record his first career double-double against Arkansas and scored a career-high 24 points against South Carolina.

This season has Flanigan listed at 19th on ESPN’s 2022 mock NBA draft, and is the second-highest ranking returning college player in the nation.