AMES (AP) — Iowa State freshman Martin Rancik will miss at least three weeks due to a stress fracture in his upper right leg, ISU Coach Tim Floyd learned Monday.

A native of Bratislava, Slovakia, Rancik headlined an incoming class ranked as high as second in the nation by some recruiting services.

“This one really hurts,” Floyd said. “Of all the new players we have, Martin appeared to have the best early feel for what we were trying to accomplish.”

The injury means that Rancik will miss both of the team’s exhibition games and possibly the season opener against Northern Iowa on Nov. 23.

“We are hopeful it isn’t a prolonged injury, but we know that each stress fracture heals differently,” Floyd said.

At 6’9″, Rancik is a versatile forward, who competed in both the three-point and slam-dunk contests at the Cyclone Shoot-Out two weeks ago.

Rancik played high school basketball at St. Louis Park [Minn.] High School. During his senior season, he averaged 21 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals and four blocks and earned an Street & Smith honorable mention All-America pick.

New ISU assistant Tom Bardal coached Rancik as a prep.

The injury is the second suffered by a highly-touted freshman forward.

Chris Ridens, of Mountain Grove, Mo., will be sidelined until December with a broken bone in his right foot.