May, his family, the coaching staff and Carolina's sports medicine staff
agreed it would not be in his best interest medically for him to play again
this season.
"Sean's foot is healing as expected, but he is still experiencing soreness
after the limited drills we have allowed him to participate in," says men's
basketball trainer Marc Davis. "The risk of re-injuring the bone is too
pervasive to allow him to push forward a rehabilitation schedule and
conditioning regimen which would get him back on the floor for the final
part of the season."
"My medical advice to the family and coaching staff is that Sean not play
again this year," says Dr. Tim Taft, UNC's Director of Sports Medicine. "The
bone is healing well, but it's in his best interest to not risk
re-aggravating the injury. He can continue his light workouts with the team
and be fully healed in time for next season."
The Bloomington, Ind., native had 10 or more rebounds five times and scored
in double figures in six of Carolina's first seven games. He had 17 points,
10 rebounds, two blocks and four steals against Penn State in his first game
as a Tar Heel.
May scored eight points and had 11 rebounds, five blocks, four steals and
three assists in the 67-56 win over #2 Kansas. At the time of his injury he
was leading the Tar Heels in steals with 17.
"I'm disappointed because ever since the injury I've been looking forward to
playing again this season," says May, who averaged 12.1 points and 8.6
rebounds in 10 games. "But the doctors and my family discussed the situation
I'm in right now and everyone thinks the smartest thing to do is to play it
with caution and not risk a second injury. I'm just disappointed I can't
help my teammates more than I'm doing right now. I know the coaches and my
teammates will continue to be supportive of me."
"I feel bad for Sean," says head coach Matt Doherty. "He's done everything
the doctors have advised him to do since the injury and he's been anxious to
get back on the floor. I totally support the medical decision to hold him
the rest of this season. As much as we all would like to see him back in
uniform, we have to look out for what is best for the long term."