Point guard Jontel Evans has started 70 games in three seasons for Virginia. (US Presswire)

With Mike Scott gone from last season, Virginia was counting on several players to step up on the offensive end. Point guard Jontel Evans was one of the guys pegged as a potential breakout performer. That plan now will be delayed.

On Tuesday night, Virginia announced that Evans would miss six weeks after undergoing surgery for a stress fracture in his right foot.

“Jontel, obviously, he’s got a strong mind, and he’s a quick healer, so hopefully he’ll be back soon,” head coach Tony Bennett said on the school’s website. “It was something that needed to be done, and everything went well. It’s unfortunate. You don’t want to have to miss your preseason.”

Evans, a 5-foot-11 senior, is one of the best defenders in the ACC. He also averaged 7.3 points and 3.9 assists last season. With his quickness and strength, Evans has the ability to get into the lane against most defenders. He showed more confidence in his offensive game down the stretch of last season, scoring in double-figures in six of the final eight regular-season games, averaging 10.6 points and 4.3 assists.

Bennett has been able to rely on Evans at the point, as the Bethel, Va., native has started 70 games over the past three seasons. While Evans should be back after the first couple of games of the season, Bennett will need to find a replacement for now. Sixth man Malcolm Brogdon is an option, but he wasn’t able to go on the team’s preseason trip to Europe and still is recovering from a March foot surgery. Freshmen Teven Jones and Taylor Barnette could run the offense, although Barnette is far better suited as a shooter. Scorer Joe Harris could also handle the ball if necessary.

The Cavaliers open the season Nov. 9 at George Mason.