BRA – Brazil’s Anderson Varejao requires foot operation, lost for season

CLEVELAND (FIBA Americas Championship) - Brazil's bid to reach to reach the title game of the FIBA Americas Championship in Mar del Plata and earn a place at the London 2012 Olympics has been dented by the need for Anderson Varejao to have a foot operation that will prevent him from playing again this season for Cleveland.

Anderson, who has been one of the few bright spots for Cleveland following the departure of LeBron James to Miami, needs surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right foot.

A player at the FIBA World Championship last year in Turkey with Brazil, Anderson has had a tough time ever since.

Before the NBA season, he had leave the Cavaliers' training camp following the death of his grandfather back in Brazil.

Anderson's father then had open heart surgery.

Just four days after Christmas, Anderson suffered a broken cheekbone and has had to wear a mask.

The veteran hurt his foot during running drills following practice on Thursday.

Cleveland coach Byron Scott paid tribute to Anderson.

"When I heard the news, I'm not going to say I didn't buckle," Scott said.

"A lot of it was because Andy's been playing great. He's been unbelievable. He's arguably our best player and for him to go down that way - in practice on the last drill just running up and down the floor, no contact whatsoever - that's tough.

"I feel more saddened for him because of what he has put into this season and all the other stuff he's been through. He's been through a lot this season. To come out and play the way he's been playing all season long, I feel real bad for him."

The loss of Anderson has added to a nightmare season for the Cavaliers, who have become one of the worst teams in the league following Ohio native and Team USA star James’ move to Miami.

FIBA