Bad news Trojans. Earlier today Tim Floyd speculated to ESPN that Daniel Hackett may have suffered a fracture in his spinal column. Now those claims have been substantiated by LA Times writer Adam Rose who is reporting that Hackett visited a doctor at the Marina Spine Center in Marina del Rey, where it was determined that he in fact has a stress fracture in his lower back.

The injury will not require surgery and Hackett will begin a core strengthening rehabilitation program on Tuesday, Feb. 12…There is no timetable for his return. Once the spasms are relieved, it will be possible to evaluate his core strength level and determine a timetable. Hackett needs to reach a core strength level of four before he can return.

The Trojans have so-far struggled without sophomore Hackett, who leads the Trojans in assists and free throw percentages, while averaging 9.4 points a game.