Nov 8, 2002

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina State lost starting forward Ilian Evtimov for the season Friday night when he tore knee ligaments in an 86-61 exhibition victory over One World All-Stars.

The 6-foot-7 Evtimov, one of the top freshmen in the Atlantic Coast Conference last season, injured his left knee with 2:45 left in the first half when he landed awkwardly after grabbing an offensive rebound.

Evtimov's knee was already swollen by the time he was helped off the court by teammate Jordan Collins and assistant coach Larry Harris.

An MRI late Friday night showed that Evtimov tore his left ACL, a school spokesman said. Normal recovery time for such an injury is at least six months.

Evtimov started 11 games for the Wolfpack last season, averaging 7.1 points and 2.9 rebounds.

Levi Watkins of the Wolfpack, who tore his left ACL in last season's ACC opener, finished with 19 points.