Kijani Wright injury: Vanderbilt’s forward out indefinitely with medical condition

Forward Kijani Wright will be out indefinitely with a "non-basketball related health issue," the Vanderbilt Commodores announced in a statement on Tuesday. After playing two seasons with the USC Trojans, Wright transferred to the Commodores in May.

"Due to the personal nature of medical information, no further details will be shared at this time," Vanderbilt said in the statement.

The 6-foot-9, three-star center was projected to play a key role in new coach Mark Byington's system.

Kijani Wright enjoyed two solid seasons with the USC Trojans

Kijani Wright is among an ever-growing list of Sierra Canyon High products, enjoying a strong high school basketball career. The USC Trojans signed him ahead of the 2022-23 season, and Wright emerged as a solid rotation option off the bench in two seasons at South Carolina.

Kijani Wright emerged as a solid rotation option for the USC Trojans. (IMAGN)

In the 2022-23 season, Wright averaged 1.9 points and 1.8 rebounds in 29 games. He averaged 3.9 ppg and 2.6 rpg as a sophomore.

Mark Byington replaced Jerry Stackhouse as the head coach of the Commodores ahead of the 2024-25 season. He has worked hard with his staff to make some solid additions to the roster.

Besides Wright, the Commodores picked up some four-star transfers, including Michigan State transfer AJ Hoggard, Virginia Tech transfer MJ Collins, Cornell transfer Chris Manon and North Texas transfer Jason Edwards.

Byington comes to a struggling Commodores side after a fairly successful tenure at James Madison, leading them to the Sun Belt Tournament in his final season. The Commodores have failed to make March Madness since 2017 and haven't won the SEC regular season title in over 30 years.

The Commodores' 2024 signing class ranks 99th in the country and plum last in the SEC per On3. While they won't be favorites to win any silverware in the upcoming season, Byington will hope to end their disappointing run of missing out on the NCAA Tournament.