November 2, 2006

Iowa City, IA (CSTV U-WIRE) -- Iowa guard Mike Henderson, seen on campus Wednesday wearing a heavy protective splint and wrap on his right hand, is out indefinitely, said Phil Haddy, the Iowa sports information director.

Henderson, a senior from Waterloo, averaged 7.6 points and 3.9 rebounds last season on a team that finished 25-9 and won the Big Ten Tournament. The 6-3, 200-pound guard scored in double figures 11 times a year ago; he was expected to be one of the team's leading offensive threats this season.

"Mike did hurt his hand," Haddy said in a voice message. "We don't know to what extent or what exactly we're going to do or exactly what's going to happen to it.

"At this time, the only thing that we can confirm is that he did hurt his hand, and we're looking into whatever treatment we can and trying to find out exactly what it is, right now."

Iowa coach Steve Alford and Henderson weren't available for comment.

Haddy indicated Alford plans to release details on the extent of the injury in the near future. Alford is also expected to announce a suspension for Henderson and teammate Tyler Smith, who were charged with theft from a Sept. 24 incident.

The Hawkeyes will host Buena Vista in an exhibition contest on Nov. 10. The regular season will begin on Nov. 13 against the Citadel.

(C) 2006 The Daily Iowan via CSTV U-WIRE