Kevin Ware, the college basketball player for the Louisville Cardinals basketball team, had a major setback on Sunday during the Louisville vs. Duke March Madness game on Sunday.

During the first half of the Elite Eight game against Duke University, Ware, 20, fell backward after trying to block a three-point shot and in the process, he experienced a horrific injury to his right leg live on national television before millions of viewers.

Ware's injury occurred before the Cardinals beat Duke in the 85-63 win which helped them advance to the Final Four.

The players and coaches from both teams were visibly upset and the college sophomore's teammates broke down and cried on the basketball court and huddled together and prayed for Ware.

The Bronx, New York native has been commended for his strength and courage during the ordeal- he remained strong and repeatedly told his teammates, "I'm fine, just win the game" as onlookers appeared horrified at the sight of his bone sticking out of his leg.

Cardinals coach Rick Pitino told reporters that he was shocked at how strong he was during the ordeal.

"All he kept saying - and remember the bone is six inches out of his leg - and all he's yelling is 'win the game, win the game,'" Pitino told reporters. "I've never seen that in my life."

Pitino also gave details of the injury.

"Basically the bone popped out of the skin. It broke in two spots," the coach explained. "It will take a year to come back."

View the close-up photo of Ware's horrific injury here.

Ware was rushed to Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis and underwent fractures to the tibia to his leg. On Monday, he woke up to find the team's championship trophy in his room.

View the photo of Ware's leg x-ray here.

When Ware was released from the hospital on Tuesday, he sent the following tweet to his followers: "Back to my brothers I go." The injury is not expected to be career-ending. According to reports, he may be able to return to playing basketball in one year.

Several athletes have expressed their support for Ware on Twitter including NBA players Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Pitino said that Ware will be able to travel with his team to watch them play in Atlanta on Wednesday. The Cardinals will play against Wichita State next Saturday. The winner of that game will face either Michigan or Syracuse for the national championship.

Watch the video of Kevin Ware breaking his leg here.

Tags: kevin ware march madness