Recovering from two offseason hip surgeries, Dayton announced Wednesday night that forward Ryan Mikesell will sit out the 2017-18 season. As a sophomore last year, Mikesell started 24 games for the Flyers. Putting up 5.7 points and pulling down 3.9 rebounds per game, the 6’7″ forward proved himself to be a valuable piece to Dayton’s team. With the ability to step out and knock down the three ball, the Flyers will miss Mikesell’s versatility this season.
Aside from talent alone, Mikesell’s loss takes away some much needed experience for Dayton. With one senior and five freshmen on this year’s roster, the Flyers were planning to rely on Mikesell to fulfill a prominent role. Already facing adversity, new head coach Anthony Grant will have to call upon younger players to step up in Mikesell’s absence. When Mikesell returns for the 2018-19 season, he will be a redshirt junior.
