ALBANY - Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro knew his team could ill afford another injury.

Bad news came on Wednesday, when the school announced that sophomore point guard Rakeem Brookins will miss the entire season because of a back injury.

Brookins has a bulging disc and a herniated disc in his back and will take a medical redshirt for the 2011-12 season.

"I feel bad for him," Buonaguro said, before Wednesday's practice. "Rahk is a warrior. He had a really good freshman year and was our leader in the backcourt."

Brookins will spend the semester back in Philadelphia, recovering and rehabbing.

Brookins averaged 9.0 points and 4.3 assists per game last season.

"He's very dissapointed that he can't be out on the floor with us," said senior Kyle Downey.

Buonaguro indicated that freshman Evan Hymes will start at point guard, next week against Navy.

Hymes will play alongside seniors Downey, Owen Wignot and Brandon Walters and junior OD Anosike.