NBA draft prospect Alex Len out 4-6 months after surgery

GAITHERSBURG, Md. (AP) -- Former Maryland center Alex Len will be sidelined up to six months after undergoing surgery on his left ankle in North Carolina.

GAITHERSBURG, Md. (AP) -- Former Maryland center Alex Len will be sidelined up to six months after undergoing surgery on his left ankle in North Carolina.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Anderson stabilized a stress fracture in Len's ankle. The problem that was diagnosed after the 7-foot-1 center left Maryland after his sophomore season to enter the NBA draft.

Len will be unable to participate in all on-court activities leading up to the June 27 draft, according to his agent, Michael Lelchitski.

Lelchitski says, "The tough part about Alex's injury is the timing."

Dr. Anderson says it is possible the injury would have healed on its own. But Len says, "I decided that surgery was the best long term option for my career."

Len, from the Ukraine, is projected to be a first-round pick.