Prince undergoes shoulder surgery

By Mike Griffith

Originally published 03:39 p.m., April 14, 2008
Updated 11:43 p.m., April 14, 2008

Tennessee sophomore forward J.P. Prince underwent arthroscopic reconstructive surgery to his left shoulder Friday and will miss spring conditioning drills.

The Vols started lifting weights Monday.

Prince, who is projected to start at small forward next season, is expected to make a full recovery by the start of practice in October, according to UT basketball trainer Chad Newman.

Prince was named the SEC’s Sixth Man of the Year after averaging eight points and 3.2 rebounds last season.

Prince’s shoulder bothered him throughout the season, but he played through the injury, undergoing strenuous physical therapy.

Prince, a 6-foot-7 Memphis native, scored a career-high 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting in UT’s win at Xavier and scored 13 points and hit two clutch free throws to seal the Vols’ win over Memphis.