Kameron Rooks tears ACL, 2014-15 season in doubt

Big men, big men, who needs big men.

Cal sophomore C Kameron Rooks likely out for 2014-15 after suffering torn left ACL. Bad news for team with few big men.

— Jeff Faraudo (@JeffFaraudo) July 3, 2014

Kameron Rooks wasn't the lynchpin for success next season for Cal basketball, but it leaves the Bears in a bit of a bind. This is what their depth looks like next season along the frontline.

Centers: Kingsley Okoroh.

Forwards: David Kravish, Christian Behrens

And that rounds out our lineup of players who stand over 6'8. It seems out of necessity that Roger Moute a Bidas will move into that rotation too because bodies must hit the floor.

With this lineup, it will be very interesting to see how Cuonzo Martin manages his lineups. Cal basketball will be wing-heavy next season with Jabari Bird, Jordan Mathews and Tyrone Wallace, all three of whom are capable of starting. Kravish might be forced to move to center like he did a few years back if Okoroh isn't ready to start, meaning Cal goes to small ball to try and take advantage of the only position where they have depth.

But ultimately the Bears are in a bind for next season. They have depth issues in both the frontcourt and inexperience at the point guard position. If last season was frustrating, this year might bring a lot more of the same. With Justin Cobbs and Richard Solomon gone and Ricky Kreklow transferring, the Bears will now be down to almost half of last year's rotation players if Rooks can't come back.

What are your thoughts on the Rooks injury? Let us know in the comments.

Here is the official press release from Cal Athletics.

BERKELEY - California head men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin has announced sophomore center Kameron Rooks sustained a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left leg. Rooks underwent successful surgery to repair the ligament and will miss an indefinite period of time while he begins his rehabilitation program.

"Kameron has worked hard this off season to return from a previous foot injury and it is very unfortunate to have a setback like this," Martin said. "Kameron's surgery went well and now he can continue to work diligently through his rehabilitation program to gain strength back in his leg. It is difficult to predict when we can expect him back, but we know he will put in the effort and his coaches and teammates are here to support him every step of the way."

The 7-0 Rooks played in all but two of Cal's first 28 games during his freshman season in 2013-14, missing the Golden Bears' final seven contests after sustaining a stress reaction in his left foot. He averaged 1.6 rebounds and 1.3 points in 7.0 minutes per game. Rooks totaled 20 points and 17 rebounds in 83 minutes over his last 11 games.

California will open the Cuonzo Martin era on Friday, Nov. 14 at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley as part of the 2K Classic benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project. The Bears' opponent in the season opener will be announced by the tournament committee later in July.