Villanova freshman Cam Whitmore to have thumb surgery

Villanova announced that freshman small forward Cam Whitmore injured his right thumb in practice and will have surgery on it next week.

Whitmore will be re-evaluated in early November, according to program, meaning he may miss the start of the regular season while recovering.

Whitmore, who shoots right-handed, was a five-star recruit out of Maryland and is projected as a top-10 pick in some 2023 NBA mock drafts.

The Wildcats are entering their first season following the surprise retirement of coach Jay Wright last spring. Kyle Neptune, a former Villanova assistant, took over for Wright.

The Wildcats reached the Final Four last season, falling 81-65 to eventual champion Kansas in the national semifinals.