THE SIDELINES : Upchurch to Miss Cage Season

University of Houston senior forward Craig Upchurch will miss the upcoming college basketball season because of a back injury he suffered in a summer pickup game.

“It’s absolutely a severe blow, no doubt about it,” Houston Coach Pat Foster said. “You don’t replace Craig’s scoring, rebounding and leadership by just pulling someone out of the closet.”

Upchurch averaged 13.1 points and 7 rebounds per game last season when the Cougars compiled a 25-6 record and a berth in the NCAA playoffs.

Upchurch and his family will decide on surgery or further treatment for the disk rupture. Upchurch is expected to return next season to complete his eligibility.