Tennessee F Chism released from hospital, listed as day-to-day

Dec 30, 2008 - 5:14 PM KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Tennessee forward Wayne Chism was released from the hospital early Tuesday morning, less than 24 hours after suffering a scary neck injury in the Volunteers' victory over Louisiana-Lafayette.

Chism has been diagnosed with elbow spinal and elbow contusions, injuries that will sideline the junior on a day-to-day basis.

Tennessee released a statement Tuesday saying that Chism is expected to fully recover from the injuries. The junior landed awkwardly on his back after blocking a shot with 5:12 remaining in Monday's 89-62 victory over the Ragin' Cajuns.

"Obviously we're all thankful that Wayne's injury does not appear to be serious," Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl said. "There was a lot of praying going on when he went down, and with some 21,000 Vol fans hoping he was going to be all right, those prayers seem to have been answered."

Chism, who had 18 points and 15 rebounds in the contest, was immobilized and taken off the court on a stretcher to UT Medical Center.

Chism has averaged 11.8 points and a team-leading 8.5 rebounds in 11 games this season for the the 18th-ranked Volunteers (9-2), who return to action Saturday against defending national champion Kansas.