Warren's initial treatment will involve cast immobilization and ice. He will begin rehabilitation after the swelling is diminished. It is expected he will be out at least three weeks, but his injury will be re-evaluated next week.
"You just feel so badly for the players, but at the same time this struggle will help make them better, stronger and tougher. That's the way we will approach this," said USC Head Coach Dave Odom. "It looks a bit rough right now, but in the long run it will be beneficial because it will give other players a chance to contribute right away. We need to get tighter as team, more committed, doing the small things better."
Warren's injury adds to the Gamecock disabled list as senior center Marius Petravicius is also sidelined with a partial tear of his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), suffered during The Citadel win on Thursday (1/2/03).
On the season, Warren was averaging 6.5 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.
South Carolina senior Tony Kitchings, out since Nov. 29 with a broken hand, practiced three times with the Gamecock basketball team this weekend and continued to make progress. It is expected he will receive considerable playing time in the SEC opener against Mississippi on Wednesday.
"We are pleased with his progress. He is doing very well and continues to prepare to return the line-up," said USC Head Coach Dave Odom.