April 30, 2008

NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State junior forward Mike Vandello has been granted an NCAA medical exemption scholarship for the 2008-09 basketball season. Vandello has been diagnosed with a degenerative condition in his knees, which is severe enough to not allow him to participate next season.

Vandello battled the injury all season, but was only able to take the floor in 12 games during the 2007-08 campaign. He averaged 1.7 points and 1.5 rebounds per contest, while logging 7.2 minutes per game.

"Obviously, we are very disappointed for Mike, as his playing career has ended one year too soon," said head coach Tim Jankovich. Mike was a warrior for us all season, and played in a great deal of pain. Through no fault of his own, he will not be able to play anymore, but he will still be a part of our team in every other sense of the word."

"I have really enjoyed my last three years as an athlete at Illinois State, but unfortunately, due to uncontrollable factors, my playing career has to end sooner than I would have hoped," said Vandello. "But I understand that there are things larger than basketball left in my life, and I am concerned about the long-term effects this injury may have on my knees. Even though I won't be playing, I look forward to being around my teammates and coaches next season, because they are like a second family to me."

According to NCAA rules, Vandello will finish his college career on a medical scholarship, which doesn't apply to the 13 allotted to the men's basketball program.