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Texas’ Bamba out with concussion

Texas Preview Basketball

FILE - In this Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, file photo, Texas forward Mohamed Bamba (4) grabs a rebound from Texas A&M forward Robert Williams (44) in the second half of a college basketball charity game in Houston, to benefit the Rebuild Texas Relief Fund. The Longhorns were embarrassed by a last-place finish in the Big 12 last season. But coach Shaka Smart thinks he can turn it around behind top recruits Mo Bamba and Matt Coleman. (Tim Warner/Houston Chronicle via AP, File)

AP

Mohamed Bamba’s freshman season at Texas is being paused do to injury.

The 6-foot-11 center is being held out of Texas’ game Tuesday night against New Hampshire after sustaining a concussion in practice Sunday, the school announced. He “continues to be treated and evaluated as part of the program’s concussion protocol,” according to the school.

Until there’s more information, there’s no reason to overreact to this news, but it is no doubt concerning given the increased scrutiny players are now receiving upon returning from head injuries.

Bamba, a potential No. 1 pick in June’s NBA draft, already got off to a strong start to his Longhorns career, putting up 15 points, eight rebounds, four blocks, two assists and one steal in just 23 minutes of action in his season debut against Northwestern State on Friday. He was named the Big 12’s co-newcomer of the week.

He is a huge - literally and figuratively - piece of Shaka Smart’s bounce back season after the Longhorns went 11-22 overall and finished last in the Big 12 in his second season in Austin. If he misses extended time, it would radically change the expectations for what Texas will be able to accomplish.

After New Hampshire on Tuesday, Texas has Lipscomb on Saturday before a Thanksgiving day matchup with Butler.