Killian Tillie out eight weeks

Gonzaga received some bad news Tuesday night, the news they dreaded since hearing that Killian Tillie missed the Michigan State scrimmage. According to Jim Meehan of The Spokesman Review, Tillie will miss eight weeks after having surgery on his ankle.

According to a Gonzaga press release, Tillie aggravated a prior ankle injury he suffered late last season. Further tests revealed a stress fracture in his ankle and will require surgery. The recovery time is approximately eight weeks.

This news comes on the heels of Gonzaga’s secret scrimmage with Michigan State, in which Tillie did not play and the rumor was a minor ankle injury. At the time, Gonzaga was hoping he would not miss any significant time. It turned out to be a worst case scenario.

Tillie will miss the entire non-conference slate. What this means is an increased role for freshman Filip Petrusev. It appears that Geno Crandall or Corey Kispert will slide into the starting rotation alongside Josh Perkins, Zach Norvell, Rui Hachimura and Brandon Clarke. Jeremy Jones may also see an increase in minutes at the “4” spot.

No doubt an enormous blow for Gonzaga. Hopefully, Tillie can make a full recovery and be ready for March.