Naz Mitrou-Long will miss the remainder of the season, according to a release from the ISU athletic department Tuesday.

Mitrou-Long, who sat out of Sunday’s game against Arkansas Pine Bluff, had arthroscopic surgery on both hips during the past off season. 

“Naz came to me recently and explained his desire to sit out the remainder of this season and seek a medical hardship,” head coach Steve Prohm said in the release. “We support his decision as he works to et back to where he was physically prior to the injury. Naz is a terrific person and an important part of our team both on and off the court. I’m confident his teammates will come together and respond to this in a positive manner.”

Everything happens for a reason. I believe in this team & will be there every step of the way. I Love you, Cyclone Nation. #Believe

— Nazareth Mitrou-Long (@NazzyJML) December 15, 2015

Mitrou-Long will seek a medical redshirt for this season, which would allow him one final season of eligibility at Iowa State.

Mitrou-Long started in the first eight games of the season, averaging 12 points and more than 31 minutes per game.

“This was an extremely difficult decision for me,” Mitrou-Long said in the release. “As a player, there is nothing you want more than to help your team be successful. Following the surgery, I pushed myself incredibly hard to be ready for the season opener. As I’ve said before, I knew I might not be 100 percent, but I wanted to give it a go for my team. With that said, I feel the need to take time off to allow myself to rehab with our training staff to get back to where I can perform at my peak level on the basketball court.

“I appreciate the support of Coach Prohm and my teammates, as well as the ISU medical staff. I am looking forward to cheering on my teammates and coaches for the rest of what I know will be an exciting season. Those guys are my family and I know we will do great.”

Iowa State will play next this Saturday against Northern Iowa in the Big 4 Classic in Des Moines. Matt Thomas, who started for Mitrou-Long against Arkansas Pine Bluff last Sunday, would be the expected starter. Deonte Burton, who transferred from Marquette, will be eligible for play for the first time Saturday, too.