big part of this team defensively and offensively, and was improving every week.

Stats: 

24 games played, 22.3 min per game, 7.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.5 bpg, .492 fgp.  That's better than solid production.

He was starting to figure more and more into White's offensive options and we seemed to be getting him the ball on the low post by design 3 or 4 times per half.  This is IMO part of the reason we have been shooting from the arc better, teams can't just camp out on the 3pt line.  I think teams even doubled him some on the block. Defesively he was ball-watching less and starting to alter shots and play better rotation/help D.  Obviously his rebounding will be missed. 

I think this is going to be hard to replace with who we have. Going to be interesting to see how White adjusts.  I think at this point a sweet 16 would be an amazing result.

BBG

He is the anchor to our D.  His ability to block and alter shots allowed the rest of the team to play tight D.  As much as I root for Rimmer to succeed, he is a major step down.  He sometimes looks like he is playing in first gear while everyone else is in 5th gear.  Gak hasn't looked good even when he was healthy.  We already struggled against big teams like Gonzaga, FSU and A&M, it will be even more so without Egbunu. 

One idea to combat our reduced height is to first, go with a 3 guard or even 4 guard lineup.  This would mean to play Hester more.  Even though he is a freshman, he has been impressive so far. Its hard for him to get more PT with the number of guards we have.  He shoots the 3 well so this would add another deep threat and he is a great on ball defender.   Secondly, more full court press.  With our lack of height, defending against the half court O will be more challenging.  Pressing should reduce the half court time and hopefully force more turnovers.

I am incredibly bummed that Egbunu is out.  This team went from a potential final 4 team to a second round exit.  I hope I'm wrong!  Its going to be very interesting to see what adjustments White will make.