Northwestern State loses its heart and soul with Jalan West knee injury

Jalan West’s college career might be over one game into his senior season at Northwestern State.

The NCAA assist leader last season, West was poised for another strong season as one of the nation’s best point guards. He started well, scoring 25 points in a loss to Ole Miss on Friday, the opening night of the college basketball season.

He was injured in a collision in the final minute of the game as he drove to the basket, and the school confirmed Tuesday he is out for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee.

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It is a huge blow to the team most likely to offer a challenge to Stephen F. Austin in the Southland Conference. Northwestern State led the nation in scoring last season.

West will certainly play at the professional level – most likely overseas – and he must decide if the time to turn pro is now or if he wants to apply for a medical redshirt season and play again next year.

“It’s very disheartening, especially in the case of a great young man who has given everything to our program,” Northwestern State coach Mike McConathy said in a press release.

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West averaged 7.7 assists per game last season and came into the season as the NCAA career leader in assists among active players. He dished six assists in the season opener. According to the school, West’s 2.6-1 assist-to-turnover ration ranks among the top 15 in NCAA history.

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[Kyle Ringo is the assistant editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @KyleRingo