PHILADELPHIA (8/27/01) - Saint Joseph's University junior center Alexandre Sazonov underwent surgery on both legs to correct exertional compartment syndrome. He is expected to be sidelined six-to-eight weeks. Team orthopeadic surgeon Michael Ciccotti, M.D. of the Rothman Institute performed the surgery on Monday at Philadelphia's Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. "Two of the compartments of Alex's legs were experiencing increased pressure which caused pain and weakness," states Bill Lukasiewicz, SJU assistant athletic trainer. "This surgical procedure helps alleviate that pressure, by expanding the area of the compartments." Sazonov, a 7-1 junior center, averaged 4.9 points and 3.5 rebounds as a reserve center on last year's A-10 regular season champion Hawk team that compiled a 26-7 record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Moscow native, who worked out this summer with the Russian National Team, blocked 65 shots, sixth best on the SJU single season, despite averaging just 15.2 minutes per game. Ranked 22nd in the final 2001 Associated Press poll, SJU is picked as high as ninth (ESPN.com) in the nation in the 2001-02 preseason rankings. The Hawks open practice on Saturday, October 13. The team's first game is against Eastern Washington in the Black Coaches Association Classic on November 15.