In a devastating turn of events during Sunday's SEC tournament championship game, Florida center Micah Handlogten suffered a gruesome broken leg while playing against Auburn. Despite the injury, Handlogten displayed remarkable resilience as he expressed gratitude towards fans for their support through a heartfelt tweet.

The incident occurred early in the game, as Handlogten attempted to secure a rebound. Unfortunately, he landed awkwardly on his left ankle, causing a bone to break and piercing the skin. The distressing sound of the fracture was audible both on television and in the arena. Handlogten's parents, standing nearby, could not hold back their tears as he was stretchered off the court at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

Following the game, Handlogten took to social media to acknowledge the outpouring of love and prayers he received from fans. In his tweet, he thanked Gator Nation for their support and expressed confidence in his team's ability to make a deep run in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Averaging 5.5 points and 7.1 rebounds in 32 games this season, the 7-foot-1 center has been an instrumental part of the Gators' lineup since transferring from Marshall. In his previous season with the Thundering Herd, Handlogten was named the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year in recognition of his exceptional talent.

The injury dealt a devastating blow not just to Handlogten, but also to his teammates and coach, Todd Golden. Golden lamented the unfortunate nature of the injury, emphasizing Handlogten's work ethic and commitment to the game. He expressed deep sympathy for the young player and the devastating manner in which he was forced to exit such a high-stakes game.

As Handlogten undergoes surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center later today, the Gator Nation waits anxiously to learn the extent of the injury and its impact on the team moving forward. Florida (24-11) eagerly anticipates the NCAA Tournament Selection Show on CBS at 5 p.m., where they will discover their postseason fate and face the challenge of regrouping without their injured center.

The road to success may have taken an unexpected turn for Micah Handlogten, but with the unwavering support of Gator Nation, his teammates, and the coaching staff, Florida remains determined to rally and make their mark in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.