Saint Joseph's Pierfrancesco Oliva out for 2016-17 season due to knee injury

Saint Joseph's will have to adjust to life without forward Pierfrancesco Oliva in the starting lineup.

The school announced Thursday that the sophomore will miss the entire 2016-17 season after undergoing surgery to repair a chronic osteochondral defect in his right knee.

"We're obviously disappointed for Checco, but he has the best in terms of medical care and rehab," Hawks head coach Phil Martelli said.

"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. I anticipate that as we go on we'll see a much better Checco."

Oliva started 30 of 33 games last year for Saint Joseph's, averaging four points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 16.5 minutes.