Pitt guard/forward Mike Cook is out for the remainder of the 2007-2008 season. Cook… Pitt guard/forward Mike Cook is out for the remainder of the 2007-2008 season. Cook sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial and lateral meniscial tear in his left knee.

Cook, a 6-foot-4 senior, will have surgery within the next seven to 14 days at the UPMC South Side Hospital. His rehabilitation process is expected to take nine to 12 months.

Cook injured his knee driving to the basket in the second half of Pitt’s 65-64 overtime win against Duke at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Thursday.

“We are thoroughly heartbroken for Mike,” Pitt coach Jamie Dixon said. “Over the last three years, Mike has contributed significantly to our success both on and off the floor.”

Cook transferred to Pitt from East Carolina following the 2004-2005 season. He sat out the following year, but started right away last season. The Philadelphia native averaged 10.4 points and 2.8 rebounds this season.

Replacements for Cook should include 6-2 senior Keith Benjamin and 6-6 redshirt freshman Gilbert Brown.

Cook will graduate from Pitt in the spring.