Belmont basketball player Mack Mercer announced Monday that he will not play his senior year due to medical concerns.
“It’s been a difficult decision. I’ve been playing basketball for the majority of my life, almost every single day for 15 years,” said Mercer. “I still am getting my thoughts together because it all has happened so fast.”
Mercer has been removed from the Bruins’ active roster and will undergo the third surgery of his five-year collegiate basketball career, he said on Twitter.
Mercer redshirted for the 2016-2017 season due to injuries. In the 2017-2018 season, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 6.5 points per game.
“We hate seeing this for Mack. He’s such a great guy and an even better teammate, we’re gonna miss having him out on the floor with us this season,” said senior teammate Dylan Windler.
Mercer and the coaching staff have decided his leadership role on the team will not change, as he will continue to be at practices and games.
“I plan on using this year to be a player and coach to help out all of our young guys,” said Mercer. “I will be a mentor to everyone on our team. The season is extremely long and after going through four seasons I believe I have a good perspective on how to get through the year.”
Mercer’s withdrawal from the team comes a little over a month before the start of the season.