The No. 9–ranked BYU Cougars suffered a major setback Monday as senior guard Dawson Baker confirmed he will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a catastrophic knee injury. The announcement significantly thins BYU’s guard rotation, already strained by the recent loss of Nate Pickens.
Baker revealed on social media that an MRI showed a complete ACL tear, a torn lateral meniscus, additional PCL and MCL damage, severe bone bruising, muscle and tendon strains, and even minor impact fractures.
“For me, this has been the hardest injury by far,” Baker wrote, noting it marks the fifth time he has had to completely restart his recovery journey.
According to the Cleveland Clinic — a nationally recognized medical authority — ACL recovery typically ranges from 6 to 12 months: Cleveland Clinic ACL Recovery.
Baker Was Emerging as a Key Contributor
Before going down in last week’s matchup — an 86-84 loss to No. 3 UConn in Boston — the 6-foot-4 guard from Coto De Caza, California, had been averaging:
- 7.2 points per game
- 46.1% shooting
- 38.4% from three
- 78.3% from the free-throw line
He started two of BYU’s first six games and logged nearly 20 minutes per contest, scoring a season-high 12 points before collapsing in the game’s final minutes. Baker later watched BYU’s victory over Dayton from a wheelchair near the team bench.
A Guard Line Hit Hard by Injuries
This marks BYU’s second season-ending guard injury. Senior transfer Nate Pickens — formerly of UC Riverside — previously underwent surgery and is also out for the season. Pickens played 97 collegiate games and averaged 7.2 points with strong efficiency from the field.
With both guards sidelined, BYU will need to rely heavily on remaining backcourt depth as it navigates a demanding schedule and attempts to maintain its national ranking.
Baker Shares Emotional Message: “I Am a Fighter”
Baker thanked fans for their overwhelming support and spoke candidly about the emotional toll of another major injury.
“Life and sports are not always fair… But man, what a hard thing to do,” he said.
“There is no other fan base I would put my body through this extreme agony for. The support has been overwhelming. I don’t know what the future holds — but know one thing: I am a fighter.”
For official team updates, visit BYU Athletics: BYU Cougars Official Website.
