Auburn’s Lior Berman sees college career end with in-game ACL injury
An MRI determined Auburn’s Jewish guard Lior Berman injured his ACL during the second half of Auburn’s win Saturday against Mississippi State, the program confirmed, ending his season and college career.
“Our heart truly breaks for Lior,” head coach Bruce Pearl said. “He has made a huge impact in this program resulting in historical success over the last five years. At a time when he had worked his way into a major role on this year’s team, the Lord had a different plan. I promise you, Lior’s faith and conviction will allow him to pursue his dream of playing professionally next year in Israel. Our team may have won a game yesterday, but we suffered a huge loss.”
Berman – who visited Israel this past summer with the Auburn team – will consult an orthopedic surgeon this week to determine his next steps.
Berman earned a scholarship for the 2023/24 season after spending four years as a walk-on, slowly earning more playing time as his career went on. He has played in both a scout team and rotational role for Auburn during his career, frequently aiding the team’s success behind the scenes.
The Mountain Brook native had the opportunity to transfer to a school where he might receive more playing time. He didn’t. He wanted to stay at Auburn. A scholarship allowed him to do so for a fifth and final year.
“I want to give thanks to my coaches, staff, administration, teammates and the Auburn Family,” Berman said. “I have loved every second here and wouldn’t trade it for anything. Let’s finish this season with a bang. War Eagle!”
Over the last three games – and especially because of forward Jaylin Williams’ knee injury – Berman had earned his most consistent minutes of the season and played possibly the best basketball of his career.
When asked about Berman’s injury after the Mississippi State game, Pearl said Berman knew Auburn was committed to having him in the rotation for the rest of the season.
Berman already played in a career-best 28 games for Auburn as a member of this season’s deep bench. (al.com/TNS)