UConn G Solo Ball to undergo wrist surgery, miss entire 2026-27 season; plans to return in 2027-28

UConn announced on Monday that junior guard Solo Ball will undergo surgery on his left wrist and be sidelined for the entire 2026-27 season.

Per the announcement, Ball will take a medical redshirt and intends to return in 2027-28 for his senior season with the Huskies. UConn did not reveal details of the planned surgery.

“Solo is going to use the season to get his wrist fully healthy and then come back next year as one of the best guards in America while cementing his legacy as an all-time great at UConn,” head coach Dan Hurley said, via UConn’s announcement.

Ball was a part-time starter as a freshman on UConn’s 2024 NCAA championship team. He’s been a full-time starter the last two seasons and was key to UConn’s run to the Final Four and national championship game earlier in April.

Ball is a borderline NBA Draft prospect who could improve his standing as a projected second-round pick with a strong campaign upon his return. There was no reporting Monday around any NIL agreements attached to Ball’s commitment to redshirt next season and play for UConn in 2027-28.

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Ball initially injured his wrist during a win over Butler on Dec. 16. He missed one game with the injury and returned to the lineup for a New Year’s eve game against Xavier. Ball continued to play through the injury for the remainder of the season.

Ball’s accuracy and efficiency took a significant hit as he played through the injury. As a sophomore in 2024-25, Ball averaged 14.4 points per game while shooting 43.9% from the field and a Big East-best 41.4% from 3. As a junior, Ball averaged 12.8 points per game while shooting 39.2% from the field and 30% from 3.

If Ball can regain his previous form after surgery, he could return to All-America contention and improve his NBA Draft stock.