NCAA injured player can walk on crutches

Kevin Ware uses crutches in his hospital room following surgery for his broken leg at the Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis in Indiana, in this image tweeted by the University of Louisville, on April 1, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

INDIANAPOLIS - Louisville's Kevin Ware was up and walking on crutches, and coach Rick Pitino said his player's spirits have been boosted by the outpouring of support from friends and fans.

Ware isn't in any pain after a 2-hour surgery Sunday night to repair a horrifying fracture in his right leg suffered in an NCAA tournament game against Duke. Doctors reset the bone and inserted a rod, and are monitoring him to make sure there's no infection, Pitino said.

Ware broke his leg in the first half of Sunday's Midwest Regional final when he landed awkwardly after trying to contest a 3-point shot, breaking his leg in two places. He was taken off the court on a stretcher as his stunned teammates openly wept.

Louisville coach Rick Pitino (L) and Florida International University head coach Richard Pitino visit Kevin Ware in his hospital room at the Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis in Indiana, in this image tweeted by the University of Louisville, on April 1, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

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