12/2 2:29 PM PT -- TMZ Sports spoke to Hercy Miller's dad -- AKA Master P -- about his star freshman hoops playing son. P revealed Hercy had been dealing with the lower leg injury for some time ... and tried to play through the pain.
Master P says HBCUs need more funding to bring their medical services up to par with powerhouse basketball programs across the country.
P also told us universities have been attempting to re-recruit Hercy now that he has been granted 4 years of college eligibility ... despite playing in a handful of games for Tennessee State.
Sad news from Hercy Miller -- Master P's Tennessee State hoops star son is out for the rest of the year after suffering a season-ending injury.
The freshman guard made the announcement on Tuesday ... saying, "Due to a lower-body injury I'll be out for the '21-'22 season."
But, don't worry, Tigers fans ... the 19-year-old says he's already looking forward to his comeback campaign.
"I'll be back next year for the show! Stronger and better," he added.
The 6'3" guard averaged 10 minutes in 6 appearances for the Tigers ... scoring an overall total of 13 points. TSU is currently 1-5.
"THANK YOU, to all the fans," Miller said, "and everyone who supported me this season."
Miller -- who was a 3-start recruit from Minnehaha Academy -- picked the HBCU earlier this year over UCLA, LSU and other Power 5 programs.
As we previously reported, Hercy signed a multi-million dollar endorsement deal after the NIL policy change ... telling us in July, he learned from his dad.
"I signed a deal with an American technology company. Like my dad said, it's a blessing," Miller said.
"I learned from my dad, I'm gonna start off by giving back to the community and everyone around me."
Get well, soon!!!
Originally Published -- 8:02 AM PT