After experiencing pain in the same area where he had surgery on Nov. 17, Brian Randle underwent a second surgery this morning to repair a torn muscle in his groin/abdominal area.

Randle, his parents, and Director of Sports Medicine Al Martindale traveled to Philadelphia’s Hahnemann University Hospital on Thursday for an examination and consultation with Dr. William Myers. It was then decided that Randle would have surgery for an additional tear.

“Brian showed a lot of courage playing through pain at the end of the season,” head coach Bruce Weber said in a press release. “We’re disappointed for him and understand his frustration in having to deal with another injury.”

Randle will be out indefinitely as the medical staff monitors his progress.

The junior forward missed 11 games and nearly 60 practices during the season because of groin pain and plantar fasciitis. He was never able to get in a scoring rhythm and turned his attention to helping the Illini on the defensive end with setting screens and getting deflections.

At the end-of-year awards banquet Tuesday night, Randle won the Lou Henson Courage Award, given to the player who takes the most charges and demonstrates the attitude and determination of former coach Lou Henson.

“We remain positive and offer all of our support during his rehabilitation so that Brian can enjoy an injury-free senior year,” Weber said.