Kentucky star sidelined with torn ACL

A cameraman grimmaces after a collision with Kentucky forward Nerlens Noel (3) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Florida in Gainesville, Fla., Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013. Noel injured his left knee and did not return. Florida won 69-52. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)

— Kentucky freshman Nerlens Noel is out for the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his left knee.

Noel tore his ACL on Tuesday night when No. 25 Kentucky lost at Florida. An MRI on Wednesday revealed the injury.

The 6-foot-10 forward will have surgery in the two or three weeks. The projected recovery period is six to eight months.

Noel was hurt with 8 minutes left in the Wildcats' 69-52 loss to No. 7 Florida. He ran into the basket support after blocking a layup from behind. Noel landed awkwardly, dropped to the floor and started screaming while clutching his knee.