University of Miami starting center Reggie Johnson will be out of commission for 5 to 6 months after undergoing surgery Thursday to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

The 6'10", 305-pound junior tore his meniscus during a pick-up game with teammates on Monday. UM hopes to have him back on the floor by the time Atlantic Coast Conference play commences in January.

Even so, he will likely miss the first month or so of basketball season while he rehabilitates.

"If there's any positive way to look at it, it's better now than if it happened in December," UM coach Jim Larranaga said of Johnson's injury to the Miami Herald.

Larranaga added, "It is a devastating blow because of the real optimism we had" after Johnson opted not to declare early for the NBA Draft. "Now, we have to rethink our plans for the upcoming season. We have to try and figure out who will fill that very big void."

Johnson led the Canes in rebounding and blocks last year with 9.7 boards and 1.3 blocks per game. He was the team's third leading scorer with 11.9 points per game on 59.1% shooting.

He earned All-ACC honorable mention honors for his play in 2010-2011.

UM is expected to use a rotation featuring 6'11" sophomore Kenny Kadji, 6'10" senior Julian Gamble, and 6'10" sophomore Raphael Akpejiori in Johnson's place until he returns.