Illini Rice Out Indefinitely With Hand Injury

Illini Coach John Groce says Rayvonte Rice fractured his left hand in practice Monday, and will have surgery Wednesday.   He says a timeline as to his return will be determined after that.

"We're certainly very optimistic, but I don't want to present (the media) or anyone with a timeline until we get through surgery tomorrow," he said. "If anybody doesn't deserve for something like this to happen to them, it's him."

The 6-foot-4 senior was enjoying an all-conference type season, with 17 points and 7 rebounds per game on 51-percent shooting, including 48-percent from three-point range. 

Groce said no one player can step up and replace Rice.

“Ray’s a monster on offense, Ray’s a monster on defense, Ray’s a monster rebounding," he said.  "Ray’s one of the best players in the country.  He’s playing at that level.  Not one guy can replace Ray.  It’s got to be a collective effort.”

The guard was the leading scorer in Saturday's 77-61 loss at Ohio State.

Illinois (10-5, 0-2 in the Big Ten) host Maryland at the State Farm Center Wednesday night.

Rice suffered a groin injury early in the Big Ten season last year. He didn't miss any games, but his performance was affected.