Playing at Gampel Pavilion was a dream come true for Connecticut native Avery Brown. The Columbia guard had grown up watching games, wondering if he would ever get to hoop with the crowd behind him. He only completed his elementary schooling in New Haven, spending two years at Hamden Hall before transferring to Northfield Mount Hermon in Massachusetts (according to the New Haven Register). The special moment had finally arrived for Brown, but unfortunately, it quickly turned sour. 

“It’s going to be exciting, packed arena,” the senior star predicted before the game. “There’s no better feeling, when the lights are on and you’re going out there with your teammates and battling in a war.” Brown had popular friends on the UConn team and on the sidelines. He used to be teammates with guard Malachi Smith from their AAU days at New York Gauchos. Another batchmate, Skyler Bell, the UConn wide receiver, was in the crowd watching on. However, this moment became a nightmare for Brown as his season might be over. 

What happened to Avery Brown? When did it happen?

Columbia was down 13-22 in the first half with 8:30 left on the clock. Avery Brown rammed into UConn’s Jayden Ross and was called for a foul. The senior guard fell on his face and was down for a considerable amount of time, as even UConn coach Dan Hurley went up to check on him. About 5 minutes later, Brown walked back to the locker room. Columbia ended up losing the game 89-62.

Giving his first impressions, Columbia coach Kevin Hovde said after the game that it appeared Brown hadn’t suffered a broken orbital bone, as initially feared, and that he was “OK.”

Dan Hurley also offered his kind words. “It sucks that a kid who’s had a great career there and is an awesome player, that the game went like that for him,” the UConn boss said after the game. “Hopefully, he’s fine, and he’s able to get back with them soon.” 

According to reporter David Borges, however, Brown has suffered a serious injury that might keep him out for a lengthy period. “CT’s Avery Brown suffered facial fractures vs. UConn last night, per his dad. Transferred to YNH triage early this morning,” he wrote. 

What is the estimated recovery timeline for Avery Brown?

According to University Hospitals Sussex (NHS Foundation Trust), fractures typically heal enough for daily activities within 3-6 weeks, with swelling and bruising improving within 2-3 weeks. Complete bone healing generally takes about 6–8 weeks, while severe or surgically repaired injuries can require several months for full recovery and return to contact risk.

Since we don’t know the exact timeline and diagnosis for Avery Brown, these remain approximations. However, that does not immediately mean the end of the season for him. Multiple stars have suffered similar injuries in the past and returned to play after a short while.

For facial injuries, hoopsters are advised to play with the protection of a mask. LeBron James sustained a facial injury and famously wore a black carbon-fiber mask with the Miami Heat. At the time, he even scored his career high of 61 points against the Charlotte Bobcats, switching to a transparent covering. Jalen Brown wore a mask after a facial fracture in 2023 that did not impact his game.

So, Avery Brown can make a comeback this season itself. But return-to-play after facial fractures depends on where the break is and how it’s treated. So, we will have to wait and see if the Columbia ace can turn up with a mask or not.