CHICAGO – UIC sophomore forward Dikembe Dixson will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn ACL and he will miss the remainder of the 2016-17 season.
 
The non-contact injury was sustained during the first half of the Flames' victory at DePaul on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Dixson is eligible to pursue a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA.
 
"We're all disappointed that Dikembe's season has come to an end," said UIC head coach Steve McClain. "After he put together one of the best freshman seasons in the history of our program and the Horizon League a year ago, he dedicated himself to improve every single day. He was having another great year as one of the top scorers in the NCAA and a fantastic leader in our program.
 
"I have no doubt that his positive attitude and the relentless support we will give him will help Dikembe come back stronger than ever next season," said McClain.
 
Dixson has started all 40 games he has played as a Flame going back to the start of last season. He was the unanimous Horizon League Freshman of the Year in 2016 and an All-Horizon League Second Team selection. This year he was named a Preseason All-Horizon League First Team honoree and to the Julius Erving Award Watch List, which is bestowed upon the top small forward in the country.
 
Since joining the Flames from Matewan, W. Va., Dixson is averaging 19.9 points, seven rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He started all 40 games since he has been on campus. As a sophomore he is UIC's active leader in points, 3-point field goals, free throws, defensive rebounds and steals.
 
The Flames continue the 2016-17 regular season on Saturday, Dec. 17, when they host Loyola Chicago at the UIC Pavilion at 3 p.m. CT.