Nerlens Noel Kentucky
Nerlens Noel could be the top pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. Reuters

Kentucky Wildcats star big man Nerlens Noel will miss the remainder of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, according to ESPN.

The freshman big man landed awkwardly on his left knee on Tuesday during a road game against the Florida Gators. Noel was chasing down guard Mike Rosario on a fast break for a blocked shot before sustaining the injury. He was carried off the court by teammates after grasping his left knee.

"His leg was wobbly, knee looked dislocated," Florida center Patric Young told the Palm Beach Post, following the game. "It was gruesome. I don't want to think about it."

Noel has been regarded as perhaps the best player in the nation, and the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

ESPN analyst Dick Vitale said he believes Noel will still be a top-rated prospect if he enters the NBA Draft early.

The 6’10 power forward was averaging 10.5 points per game, and 9.5 rebounds. He leads the nation with 4.4 blocks per game.

The Wildcats are ranked No. 25, with a record of 17-6. The team appeared to be moving in the right direction in recent weeks with five-straight wins prior to the loss to Florida.

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