Ratliff out indefinitely after injury

Sophomore guard A.J. Ratliff is out for an undetermined amount of time with an injury to his right thumb, which occurred during Monday afternoon's practice.\nHe had successful surgery on Tuesday and is expected to make a full recovery, according to a statement released by the IU athletics department.\n"A.J. was playing some great basketball and it is unfortunate that this kind of thing happened," IU head coach Mike Davis said in a statement. "At the same time, we have the type of team this year where if one of our guys gets hurt, another could just as easily step in without missing a beat." \nRatliff won the slam dunk competition at Hoosier Hysteria earlier this month and led the Hoosiers in 3-point percentage last season. The Indianapolis native averaged 5.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per game and finished third among conference freshmen in blocked shots from his two-guard position.\n"A.J. was one of the most improved players during the off season and we will miss him, but I also feel confident about the other group of players who could fill his spot while he is recovering," Davis said.