Saint Joseph's Oliva out for season after knee surgery

Pierfrancesco Oliva will miss the entire 2016-17 season, after the Saint Joseph's forward underwent successful knee surgery earlier this summer.

The 6-foot-8 Italian started 30 games for the Hawks last season, averaging 4 points and 3.7 rebounds in 16.5 minutes. He underwent surgery to repair an osteochondral defect in his right knee - a chronic condition that flared up in postseason workouts.

"We're obviously disappointed for Checco, but he has the best in terms of medical care and rehab," head coach Phil Martelli said in a statement. "His teammates and coaches will keep their arms wrapped around him as he goes through the day-to-day grind of not just getting back, but getting better."

Oliva was expected to have a larger role for Martelli's program this season, after the Hawks lost leading scorers Isaiah Miles and DeAndre Bembry.