Michigan basketball's Jon Horford has left knee strain

Michigan Wolverines forward Jon Horford officially has a left knee strain, the school announced on Friday. Horford suffered the injury at the end of practice on Wednesday.

"Right now it is too early to predict," Michigan coach John Beilein said, "however, we are optimistic he will return for the season opener."

The No. 5 Wolverines are set to play two exhibition games: Nov. 1 against Northern Michigan, and Nov. 5 against Saginaw Valley State. The regular season opens on Fri., Nov. 9 when Michigan hosts Slippery Rock.

Horford, a 6'10" sophomore, played in nine games last season before breaking a bone in his foot. He has reclaimed that year of eligibility via medical redshirt. Before the injury, he played 11 minutes per game with an average of 2.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Horford is competing for playing time with fellow big men Mitch McGary, Jordan Morgan, and Max Bielfeldt.