CINCINNATI � Point guard Cashmere Wright, a freshman who was expected to play a big role for Cincinnati, tore a knee ligament and is out for the season.

The team said today that Wright tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during practice this week.

The Bearcats had hoped that Wright could blend in quickly, allowing Deonta Vaughn � their top returning scorer � to play at shooting guard. Instead, Vaughn will have to move back to the point guard position.

Last year, junior forward Mike Williams ruptured his Achilles' tendon during preseason workouts and missed the season, a blow to the team's front line. Williams is expected to play this season.