Ballarat Miners player Daniel Joyce faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles tendon at the Ballarat Basketball Senior Tournament.
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However coaches have yet to write him off for the season, saying there is a possibility he could be back in the line-up by July.
The 31-year-old was carried off the court during the tournament grand final against Keysborough on Monday.
The club received the diagnosis on Tuesday, with officials saying the recovery could take four to nine months.
He will undergo surgery next week.
Joyce, who played his junior basketball in Ballarat, returned to the city this season following several years with the Canberra Gunners in the SEABL competition.
He was a dual Most Valuable Player recipient with the Gunners, and played over 150 NBL games with the Sydney Kings and Gold Coast Blaze.
We'll keep him involved and he should have no problems in rehabbing for next season."
- Matt Nunn
Known as an elite passer and a capable three-point shooter, he provided depth in the backcourt alongside starters Sam Short and Kuany Kuany.
Miners assistant coach Matt Nunn said he would be a big loss for the squad, who will tip-off the NBL1 South season in April.
"He is an NBL veteran, so from an experience standpoint he provided that maturity from the guard position," he said.
"He passes the ball exceptionally well, and can create for others and he makes the team better."
Nunn said his presence would still be a valuable addition to the locker-room.
"We'll keep him involved and he should have no problems in rehabbing for next season."
