Penn guard Mike Kach will be sidelined for most or all of preseason practice with a stress fracture, according to a source close to the situation. The junior is scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday, October 6, with the average recovery from the injury ranging from four to six weeks. Kach had rejoined the basketball program this fall after leaving the team in December 2004, just six games into his collegiate career. The Carmel, NY, native is expected to play major minutes this season — possibly as a starter in the Quaker backcourt.

Slant: This is a tough blow to Kach as he could have used the preseason to scrape off the rust of nearly two years away from organized basketball, while developing a greater familiarity with his teammates on the court. The immediate impact is that barring a quick rehabilitation, Penn’s chances of making a big splash with an early season win over Syracuse at the Carrier Dome just took a big hit. If Kach is unable to go at the beginning of the season, expect to see the ball in Ibby Jaaber’s hands more than in past years, with Brian Grandieri and freshman Darren Smith likely to be the biggest beneficiaries of the additional playing time.

In the long run, a bigger concern is the fact that even when he is cleared medically, Kach can expect to play through pain the rest of the season. This is not good news for a player who relies heavily on his quickness and athleticism at both ends of the court. With one bad wheel, Kach might want to consider grounding the aerial show this season in favor of a more traditional — and less risky — guard role.