FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood sophomore forward Jahleem Montague will miss the 2016-17 season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, head coach Jayson Gee announced.
 
Montague, a sophomore whom Gee signed out of Palm Beach State College as part of his 2015-16 recruiting class, suffered the injury in preseason practice and underwent surgery in late September.
 
"We're extremely disappointed about losing Jahleem for the season," Gee said. "His athleticism and defensive prowess will be missed on the court this year, but we are still fortunate to have a young man of his character and drive in our huddles and on our sideline."
 
The 6-8, 230-pound Montague was primed for a significant role in his first season as a Lancer after averaging 4.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game as part of a three-player frontcourt rotation at Palm Beach State alongside Texas Tech signee Shawntrez Davis and Coastal Carolina signee Joseph Williams-Powell. That junior college campaign followed a standout career at Atlantic City High School in Atlantic City, N.J., where Montague averaged 9.9 points and 5.9 rebounds as a senior.
 
"When we received confirmation about the injury from our team doctor in Richmond, Jah called me and not only stated he would return, he wanted me to share with the team how much he still believed in them," Gee said. "That response is a depiction of his character in that he was thinking about his teammates after receiving some of the most disappointing news of his life."
 
Montague's absence leaves Longwood with three returners in the frontcourt, led by the redshirt junior duo of 6-8, 235-pound Damarion Geter and 6-6, 245-pound Khris Lane and 6-8, 210-pound sophomore Chris Shields. Obi Romeo, a 6-10, 245-pound transfer from Saint Joseph's, also joins that mix for the 2016-17 season, alongside 6-5, 200-pound freshman JaShaun Smith.
 
"We remain very excited about Jahleem's future," Gee said. "With his length and athleticism, he will be an impact player in the Big South Conference for years to come."
 
The Montague-less Lancers open the 2016-17 season on Nov. 5 in a preseason exhibition against neighboring Division III Hampden-Sydney in Willett Hall. The season opener follows a week later when Maine comes to town for a Nov. 13 matchup.
 
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