Surgery for Illini's 7-foot-1 center

Sophomore center Mike Tisdale will miss the first week or two of Illinois' preseason basketball practice after undergoing surgery Friday morning.

The 7-foot-1 Tisdale had a minor muscle hernia in his lower right leg. Coach Bruce Weber estimates the Riverton native will need 3-4 weeks to heal.

Tisdale averaged 3.6 points and 1.7 rebounds last year in 10.4 minutes per game. He's a leading candidate to replace Shaun Pruitt as center on the team.

The Illini open their preseason schedule with an intrasquad scrimmage on Oct. 26. They start the regular season Friday, Nov. 14, against Eastern Washington.