North Carolina F Ginyard out eight weeks

Oct 8, 2008 - 7:36 PM CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (Ticker) -- North Carolina swingman Marcus Ginyard underwent foot surgery Wednesday morning and will be sidelined approximately eight weeks.

Ginyard, a senior, had the surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. The Virginia native had a screw inserted in the fifth metatarsal of the foot.

"You hate this for Marcus because he has worked so hard to get ready for his senior season," North Carolina coach Roy Williams said. "But he decided it was better to have the surgery now and be ready sometime in December, than risk a more substantial injury that would knock him out of action later in the season."

The 6-5 Ginyard appeared in 39 games for the Tar Heels last season, averaging 6.9 points and 4.5 rebounds.

The Tar Heels, a preseason favorite to contend for the NCAA championship, open their campaign against Pennsylvania on November 15.

"We will miss (Ginyard's) play on both ends of the floor as well as his leadership with the young players," Williams said. "I am hopeful others will step forward to fill those roles. Marcus has been a joy to coach, and I look forward to his return."