South East Melbourne have lost Craig Moller for the rest of the NBL season after scans confirmed the forward has ruptured the patella tendon in his right knee.
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Moller was hurt in the first quarter of the Phoenix's win over New Zealand on Saturday and will have surgery on Monday night.
It is the unlucky 29-year-old's second serious knee injury in as many years.
He previously spent 18 months out of basketball after shattering his left kneecap in a game in Germany in April, 2022.
"Craig's injury is devastating for both him and the club," Phoenix head of performance Eric Hollingsworth said.
"Craig did a power of work to get back on court this season and his efforts in games have been incredibly important.
"We will wrap our arms around him and support him throughout his rehab period."
A former NBL title winner with Melbourne United, Moller joined South East Melbourne this season and averaged 6.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks across 12 games.
The cross-code athlete played one AFL match in three seasons with Fremantle before turning to pro basketball.
He had two stints with the Sydney Kings either side of a successful two-year spell at Melbourne United and has played with the Australian Boomers.
Moller's injury could open the door for Daniel Johnson to remain with the Phoenix after the NBL veteran initially signed as a nominated replacement player for injured centre Gorjok Gak.
Australian Associated Press
