Alabama's Rojas has surgery to repair torn ACL

Alabama forward James Rojas (33) plays against Iona in the first half of a first-round game in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Saturday, March 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama forward James Rojas had surgery to repair a torn ACL.

Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats said the reserve had surgery on his left knee Tuesday, but that he expects Rojas to be back during Southeastern Conference play.

Rojas received a medical redshirt in the 2019-20 season for a torn right ACL after transferring from junior college.

Rojas played in 30 games last season, averaging 2.9 points and 2.6 rebounds. He played a combined 10 minutes against Arkansas in 2020-21, grabbing three rebounds and committing two turnovers.

Rojas, who is from New York, scored a season-high 15 points on 5 of 8 shooting and grabbed 7 rebounds in the Crimson Tide’s 86-71 win over Florida on Jan. 5.