Tasmania JackJumpers gun Josh Magette will undergo surgery after specialists confirmed he suffered a broken cheekbone and eye socket when he copped a stray elbow on court.
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The injury, suffered in his side's 24-point NBL win over Illawarra on Saturday that locked up fourth spot on the ladder, left Magette unable to travel by air.
The American import arrived in Hobart on Tuesday after catching the Spirit of Tasmania ferry across Bass Strait from Victoria.
"It's been a crazy couple of days, but I've now seen the specialist and will have surgery on Thursday so hopefully be back on the mend soon," Magette said.
"Thanks to everyone for all the calls, the texts, the messages ... I really appreciate it."
The JackJumpers said Magette will be assessed following surgery and his long-term recovery and ongoing welfare was the highest priority.
Earlier this week, coach Scott Roth said Magette faced a long road ahead.
Tasmania plays Cairns Taipans on the road on Thursday night in a one-off play-in 'seeding qualifier' with the winner to meet the New Zealand Breakers in a best-of-three semi-final series.
The club is sweating on the fitness of captain Clint Steindl, who had an MRI on his hip and will be assessed after the squad arrives in Cairns on Wednesday.
There was better news for big man Will Magnay, who has been cleared to play after suffering a knock to the mouth against Illawarra.
Forward Rashard Kelly will return after sitting out the Illawarra match because of sickness.
Australian Associated Press
