The decision comes after X-rays this week confirmed the anterior tibia stress fracture, prematurely ending Usher’s South East Australian Basketball League season.

While it is unclear when Usher sustained the injury, Ballarat GMHBA Miners acting head coach Rob Baker said he had been competing with it for several weeks.

“In the end the pain was constant for him and it was starting to affect the way he was playing, so he had to get the X-ray on it,” Baker said.

“When he told the guys, it was right before training that he found out… it was a bit of a shock to the system. He is obviously a big part of the team and a big spiritual part of the team as well.”

Baker said some impressive performances while injured had been a testament to Usher, his talent and dedication to the team.

Basketball Ballarat club physiotherapist Jacob Monk said due to the location of the injury, Usher had required surgery to stabilise the fracture with rehabilitation expected to take three months. 

Working closely with Basketball Ballarat, Usher decided to return to the United States to have the surgery and begin recovery with his family and friends nearby.

Elite teams administrator Melissa Thomas said Usher was still contracted for next season and, if his surgery and rehabilitation went to plan, the Miners would expect him back on court in early 2019. 

Usher will make his final appearance this season on the bench for the Miners against Kilsyth on Saturday night at the Minerdome.

He will also attend community engagement activities on Monday and Tuesday before leaving the country on Wednesday morning.