ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The career of one of the University of North Carolina at Asheville's most popular and productive basketball players has likely come to a sad end.

Kenny George, a 7-foot-9, 375-pound center who received national attention for his size and play last season, has undergone a partial amputation of his right foot.

The senior from Chicago, the nation's tallest player, has had at least two surgeries and other procedures after his right foot became infected at a summer camp for big men in Las Vegas.

It is unclear when George underwent the partial amputation.

"This just breaks our heart," said coach Dave VanderMeulen of Chicago Latin, where George played in high school.

"I've talked to Kenny, and he's dealing with what kind of mountain he's facing and reflecting on what could have been...his parents are trying to keep his spirits up, but they are devastated, as any parents would whose child lost part of a limb."

UNCA coach Eddie Biedenbach declined to talk about specifics of George's medical condition but offered a statement based on the probability that George wouldn't play this season.

"This is a really terrible setback for Kenny," Biedenbach said. "He worked so hard to get into the situation where he could play last year and was working hard to be ready for this season.

"To have basketball taken away from him seemingly isn't fair.

"There's much more to Kenny than just basketball. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he goes on with his life."

George, 22, and his parents could not be reached for comment.

George averaged 12.4 points and seven rebounds per game last season while averaging less than 20 minutes per game.

He was named the Big South Conference's Defensive Player of the Year and blocked 93 shots while also leading the nation in field-goal percentage (.696).

George also became a popular figure on a team that won a school-record 23 games. The Bulldogs earned a berth in the National Invitation Tournament but lost in the first round to Ohio State.

Family friend Sonny Parker, a former NBA player who has known George since he was 12 years old, said he has talked to George's father, Kenny George Sr.

"He said part of his foot had to be amputated," Parker said. "This is so sad because Kenny has gone through so much in his life because of his size, but hopefully he can bounce back.

"I don't think they have ruled out him playing again, but obviously that would be difficult to do. Right now I don't think they are even thinking about that."

Biedenbach said George hopes to return to school for the spring semester.

"We want to ask everyone for their prayers for Kenny's continued recovery," said Biedenbach.

"We are looking forward to having Kenny back at UNC Asheville in the near future and finishing his education. We look forward to watching Kenny walk across the stage and get his degree.

"As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for Kenny and his family. On behalf of the family, we would like to ask everyone to respect their privacy during this time as Kenny continues to work on his rehabilitation."

VanderMuelen said George is already planning on a career without basketball.

"He never pigeon-holed himself into just being a basketball player," he said.

"He's very interested in school and I'm sure he is dealing with this and thinking about what his future holds."