Baylor releases updates Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua's status after knee injury
The Baylor Bears announced that forward Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua will miss the remainder of the 2021-22 season after tearing multiple ligaments in his knee on Saturday.
He will undergo season-ending surgery, and Scott Drew will look to replace Baylor’s sixth-leading scorer, as Tchamwa Tchatchoua is averaging 8.6 points per game in 21.5 minutes. He also averages 7.0 rebounds per game.
Tchamwa Tchatchoua suffered the injury in Saturday’s 17-point blowout of the Texas Longhorns. He was running up the court before he lost his balance, coming down awkwardly on his left knee. His knee bended in an awkward direction, and he remained on the floor for a while in obvious pain. Trainers and teammates eventually had to help Tchamwa Tchatchoua off of the court, and he immediately went to Baylor’s locker room.
He finished the contest with two points and one rebound in just five minutes played, as the Baylor forward did not make it to the second half.
More on Tchamwa Tchatchoua, his injury
Tchamwa Tchatchoua has played in 24 games this season, coming off of Baylor’s bench in all of them. He is Baylor’s sixth leading scorer, averaging 8.6 points per game in 21.5 minutes. He also averages 7.0 rebounds per game.
Losing another player injury is a tough blow for Baylor. Against Texas, the Bears are already without leading scorer LJ Cryer. Guard Adam Flagler is also less than full strength, leaving Baylor with a short bench.
Tchamwa Tchatchoua began his collegiate career in the 2018-2019 season with UNLV before transferring to Baylor ahead of last year. At UNLV, he played in 31 games with 11 starts, averaging 13.3 minutes per game and posting averages of 3.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks.
Last season, Tchamwa Tchatchoua played a key role off of Baylor’s bench. He played 19.3 minutes per game, averaging 6.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks on Baylor’s national championship winning team. In his three-year career, Tchamwa Tchatchoua is averaging 5.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.
On Wednesday against Kansas State, Tchamwa Tchatchoua had a career-best offensive performance, posting 21 points to go along with six rebounds and a block. He shot 90% from floor, including a make on his lone three-point attempt.
Entering Saturday’s game against Texas, Baylor has lost two of its last four games. The Bears currently sit at 20-4 on the season, including an 8-3 mark against Big 12 opponents.
On3’s Jonathan Wagner contributed to this report.