UPDATE: Evan Turner out 8 weeks

UPDATE:

We have video now:




Ohio State got a huge piece of bad news on Saturday.

Evan Turner, who many believe is the leader in the race for national player of the year, will miss the next eight weeks after suffering a transverse fracture in the second and third lumbar vertebra in his spine.

Initial x-rays showed no serious injury.

Turner hurt himself after going up for a dunk. As has happened so many times, Turner hung on the rim and his momentum (in addition to a little bump) carried his body near parallel to the floor before Turner fell off the rim.

Turner was obviously in severe pain after a nasty fall on Saturday.
(photo credit: AP)

This is a huge blow to the Buckeyes. It goes without saying that his production (20.9 ppg, 12.8 rpg, 6.6 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.7 bpg) will be sorely missed, but his leadership as the best point guard on Ohio State's roster, despite playing out of position, is one of the reasons Ohio State has been mentioned as a possible contender to Purdue and Michigan State in the Big Ten.

Evan Turner is a humble kid that hasn't let the spotlight get to him. He has overcome a lot in his young life, and one can only hope this injury doesn't effect his NBA career, or more importantly, his long-term health.

Spines are not something you want to mess around with.

Dana O'Neil, who wrote an incredible piece on Turner during the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament, said it best:

As a journalist, I'm programmed not to root for teams.

But I will root for Turner to have a speedy and healthy recovery. He's a good kid and he deserves a swift return.

This may end up being a blessing in disguise for the Buckeyes. If Ohio State can stay in hunt for an at-large bid (a big if), then getting Jeremie Simmon and PJ Hill more experience and playing time at the point could really help the Buckeyes down the stretch.