Injury update

[BRS24]

It would be nice if Geno and staff would actually let us know the deal with Yanna, assuming she is ok with releasing that information.

At the beginning of the year the team led everyone to believed that she would be back after a game or two. Now crickets from the Program makes me, if not the rest of you, wonder when we will see her on the court. I might add the same thing with Caroline now---missing the next game, AT LEAST.

IMHO, the coaching, S&C, and medical staff evaluate a player's progress after surgery, and decide whether they can move forward with activities or not. They will not rush players back, as this is not a pro sports team

Given Ashlynn's injury-free career, maybe her father should be running the UCONN training staff, because all the knee injuries over the last 2 years (PB-2; ICE-1 -2) indicates something needs to be done differently.

Could we not blame the S&C staff (again) for injuries? Concussions happen. Other injuries have nothing to do with the training staff. Many players are coming into college with lingering issues from all the hoop they play year round.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

Very strange to see that Ayanna Patterson has no timeline for return. Did something go wrong with her recovery? Another injury? Very sad news.

 

[LarryLegend]

These kids are focusing on one sport way too young and are playing way too much. At least some of the blame rests with parents.

 

[Zinethar]

Injuries are common in many if not most high level sports teams especially women's where knee injuries due to physiological differences. UConn recruits from the best of the best where the most dedicated, talented, and driven players reside. For me it is not a surprise that they are more injury prone because they are what we thought they were. Top athletes. I wish that wasn't a side effect of the makeup of players at this level but it is. No ones fault. Just comes with the territory. They work hard to mitigate this issue and science will help given time. I love there guys and what they do and keep my fingers crossed for them always.

 

[wingsfan055]

It would be nice if Geno and staff would actually let us know the deal with Yanna, assuming she is ok with releasing that information.

At the beginning of the year the team led everyone to believed that she would be back after a game or two. Now crickets from the Program makes me, if not the rest of you, wonder when we will see her on the court. I might add the same thing with Caroline now---missing the next game, AT LEAST.

Will either one of them be back anytime soon? The frontline certainly needs them as we hold ICE's minutes down to protect her from a re-occurrence , which is also probably an excellent idea regarding Paige's minutes.

Given Ashlynn's injury-free career, maybe her father should be running the UCONN training staff, because all the knee injuries over the last 2 years (PB-2; ICE-1 -2) indicates something needs to be done differently.

I don't think AP will make any significant impact anytime soon. Geno made some cryptic remarks a few weeks back about AP contributing in March.

I warned about assuming all the players with serious injuries from last year would come back 100% and ready to go. This season is shaping into a disaster with all these injuries piling up,.

 

[☘️IrishEyes]

I am watching the LSU game on Flo Sports. I also watched the Tulane/ Virginia game. That floor is dangerous! I am NOT exaggerating! They had to wipe the floor with big 4’ dust mops several times during the games. So far a player in the first game slipped and almost injured herself. In the LSU game a player slipped during a layup and wrenched her knee. Now we are down there waiting for our turn. I pray that nothing else happens to any more players. If I were Gino, I would not let them play. Citing the floor conditions and player safety as legitimate reasons to not continue. I think the other coaches in this tournament should do the same.
As I’m writing this the LSU player is on the bench with an ice packed wrapped around her knee. It is #5 Sa’Myah Smith.

 

[DrummerDee]

It would be nice if Geno and staff would actually let us know the deal with Yanna, assuming she is ok with releasing that information.

At the beginning of the year the team led everyone to believed that she would be back after a game or two. Now crickets from the Program makes me, if not the rest of you, wonder when we will see her on the court. I might add the same thing with Caroline now---missing the next game, AT LEAST.

Will either one of them be back anytime soon? The frontline certainly needs them as we hold ICE's minutes down to protect her from a re-occurrence , which is also probably an excellent idea regarding Paige's minutes.

Given Ashlynn's injury-free career, maybe her father should be running the UCONN training staff, because all the knee injuries over the last 2 years (PB-2; ICE-1 -2) indicates something needs to be done differently.

At least we know something. And Azzi's injury and olaying status is well known. Unlike ND, who has never disclosed Miles' I jury, and probably never will. Now they have Citron injured and again..nothing but crickets.

 

[Big Fan]

I can't wish Caroline to get better more. But in terms of only having 10 players - well Azzi didn't play last game either so they had 11. But in reality in the last three games Caroline only played 14 min against NC State, 11 against MD and 13 against Minn. Based on her minutes it's not like they are loosing someone who plays 30 minutes or more. And while her contribution has been OK at times she also has been a non factor for stretches. Not sure if that is due to lingering injury issues or just not in the flow.

 

[real141]

I disagree..even though Caroline is a shell of her former self it's still better than what Amari has shown she can bring to the table

In what way is the current Caroline better ?

 

[Gordo]

In what way is the current Caroline better ?

If for no other reason, Geno thinks so!!!

 

[Gordo]

Injuries are common in many if not most high level sports teams especially women's where knee injuries due to physiological differences. UConn recruits from the best of the best where the most dedicated, talented, and driven players reside. For me it is not a surprise that they are more injury prone because they are what we thought they were. Top athletes. I wish that wasn't a side effect of the makeup of players at this level but it is. No ones fault. Just comes with the territory. They work hard to mitigate this issue and science will help given time. I love there guys and what they do and keep my fingers crossed for them always.

There is a lot of truth in what you say, but when recruiting it might be wise to look beyond the rankings of a player and look deep into their history of injuries.

 

[Centerstream]

In what way is the current Caroline better ?

Have you actually watched any UConn games over the last three years? Or are you basing your question on this season's 4 games?

 

[Gordo]

Have you actually watched any UConn games over the last three years? Or are you basing your question on this season's 4 games?

Based on all of the comments made by @real141 regarding Caroline, the answer would seem to be quite obvious.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Very strange to see that Ayanna Patterson has no timeline for return. Did something go wrong with her recovery? Another injury? Very sad news.

Fairfield Fan- - - Ayanna had a knee surgery like what Morgan Tuck had years ago!
It was not simple surgery, but cleaning up and trying new techniques for chronic knee sufferers so her recovery time is not the same as other knee procedures!

 

[uconnfan68]

It would be nice if Geno and staff would actually let us know the deal with Yanna, assuming she is ok with releasing that information.

At the beginning of the year the team led everyone to believed that she would be back after a game or two. Now crickets from the Program makes me, if not the rest of you, wonder when we will see her on the court. I might add the same thing with Caroline now---missing the next game, AT LEAST.

Will either one of them be back anytime soon? The frontline certainly needs them as we hold ICE's minutes down to protect her from a re-occurrence , which is also probably an excellent idea regarding Paige's minutes.

Given Ashlynn's injury-free career, maybe her father should be running the UCONN training staff, because all the knee injuries over the last 2 years (PB-2; ICE-1 -2) indicates something needs to be done differently.

The ongoing disparaging comments about the training staff for any injuries sustained is borderline nuts. Stuff happens to people all the time. No one’s fault. Our kids have one of the very best staffs and some of the best resources of anyone. Are you blaming our staff for the ND player pushing AE into Azzi?

 

[TCC Kid]

I like the 8 and I like having to play the frosh. They'll be tourney tough by March.

The wonderful thing about the frosh playing is --think of how prepared they shall be in March!!! This is gift, a terrible way of getting a gift--never the less, it is March gift.

 

[TCC Kid]

The ongoing disparaging comments about the training staff for any injuries sustained is borderline nuts. Stuff happens to people all the time. No one’s fault. Our kids have one of the very best staffs and some of the best resources of anyone. Are you blaming our staff for the ND player pushing AE into Azzi?

While it is fair game to question Why INJURIES, it is unfair to blame anyone for the unknown. 3 straight years of important injuries deserves an answer if an answer is possible. For the benefit of the TEAM, the coaches and yes the fans.

 

[TCC Kid]

I'm looking for Ice to pick up some of the offensive slack now............she's got to be good for a minimum of 10-12 points and five rebounds a game if she gets the court time............same applies to KK.........minimum of 12 points and 5 assists per game

Not to worry about KK--she'll do what she must. I see in KK a kid that loves and knows the game, has talent, and physical ability. I hope Ice and Samuels fulfil my expectations.

 

[Argonaut]

I know some of y’all are quick to blame the S&C staff, but if Azzi’s dad isn’t blaming them (especially when he knows a lot more about the situation than any of us), maybe we can lay off that narrative, too.

 

[Bone Dog]

It looks like the injury bug is biting other ranked teams now.

 

[maple]

While it is fair game to question Why INJURIES, it is unfair to blame anyone for the unknown. 3 straight years of important injuries deserves an answer if an answer is possible. For the benefit of the TEAM, the coaches and yes the fans.

God decided UConn had enough success and decided to level the playing field.

Do you think the UConn staff and/or players are doing it on purpose? There's no conspiracy here.

 

[Cuango]

It’s possible Ice could start, but I think only if it’s absolutely necessary. Going forward, they might be very careful with that injury she had, a slipped patella can slip again even after surgery, especially in athletes. It’s similar to a dislocated shoulder, once you do it, it can pop out again. On a positive note, her 3 pt shooting has been off the charts good, not to mention her size around the basket, so she will see significant minutes.

Off the charts good? I must have missed something! If we somehow manage to win this game (pretty unlikely) it will be a huge deal! I’ve never seen anything like this seemingly never ending streak of injuries! This game though, as nice as it would be to win, will not determine the outcome of this season. Of course, we’d like to win but more important than winning or losing is the overall play of the team. Will our freshmen continue to play well?
Can Ice continue the improvement we’ve seen since the NC State game? Personally, especially since the most recent injuries, I believe she, more than any of the others, holds the key to the continuing growth of this team. Clearly we’ve hit the jackpot with this group of freshmen, but Ice is really the one who can elevate this team if she can step up and provide effective minutes in the frontcourt! I’m just hoping for continued effort on the defensive end, strong play from all but especially from Paige, and no injuries! A win would be gravy.

 

[Cuango]

In what way is the current Caroline better ?

You’re kidding, right?

 

[uconnfan68]

While it is fair game to question Why INJURIES, it is unfair to blame anyone for the unknown. 3 straight years of important injuries deserves an answer if an answer is possible. For the benefit of the TEAM, the coaches and yes the fans.

Finding solutions is different than assigning blame. The idea that any trainer is not preparing players to the best of their ability really doesn’t deserve discussion. People need to be reminded of the other times we’ve had terrible injuries to multiple starters and also of the many years we’ve had nothing but a few scratches and bruises. These things happen to all teams, in all sports.

 

[Zarathustra]

The ongoing disparaging comments about the training staff for any injuries sustained is borderline nuts. Stuff happens to people all the time. No one’s fault. Our kids have one of the very best staffs and some of the best resources of anyone. Are you blaming our staff for the ND player pushing AE into Azzi?

I remember that push ... very Well..... It was painful to watch and Painful to remember!!

 

[MSSportsGuy]

The injuries to Fudd and Ducharme are terrible for them and the program. I truly wonder if either will ever be back at a high level again when or if they return.

Hope I'm not breaking a rule by sharing that but I suspect others have thought it too.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Off the charts good? I must have missed something! If we somehow manage to win this game (pretty unlikely) it will be a huge deal! I’ve never seen anything like this seemingly never ending streak of injuries! This game though, as nice as it would be to win, will not determine the outcome of this season. Of course, we’d like to win but more important than winning or losing is the overall play of the team. Will our freshmen continue to play well?
Can Ice continue the improvement we’ve seen since the NC State game? Personally, especially since the most recent injuries, I believe she, more than any of the others, holds the key to the continuing growth of this team. Clearly we’ve hit the jackpot with this group of freshmen, but Ice is really the one who can elevate this team if she can step up and provide effective minutes in the frontcourt! I’m just hoping for continued effort on the defensive end, strong play from all but especially from Paige, and no injuries! A win would be gravy.

Yes, this game Ice did not shoot well from beyond the arc like she did a couple games ago. IMHO Nika was a big liability, she seemed afraid to shoot open shots at some times, or go to the hoop even on fast breaks. 32 min and only 3 assists, 6pts. Looking to pass the ball to a teammate when you’re wide open usually results in a TO.

 

[visitingcock]

IMHO, the coaching, S&C, and medical staff evaluate a player's progress after surgery, and decide whether they can move forward with activities or not. They will not rush players back, as this is not a pro sports team

Could we not blame the S&C staff (again) for injuries? Concussions happen. Other injuries have nothing to do with the training staff. Many players are coming into college with lingering issues from all the hoop they play year round.

Has HIPAA changed the game in prospect evaluation?

Azzi, Ayanna and Ice (maybe more) came to UConn with problems arising from high school injuries. I don’t know what Geno knew about those injuries before signing them. I’m asking - not criticizing.

In the old days, coaches could get all sorts of medical info. Now, they can only get info from or with permission of the player/parent. So, the question arises as to whether the staff is getting sufficient medical info before anccepting commitments ? Are they giving prospects more benefit of the doubt than other coaching staffs?

I could be wrong on this but it seems that UConn gets commitments from top 10-ish prospects earlier than other programs. My opinion is that Geno is an old school bound-by-his-word person. Thus he is not the type to accept a commitment in January and then not take the player who gets injured after commitment but before UConn is bound.

I dunno I’m just throwing this out there as a possibility of a ( not “the”) reason for UConn’s rash of injuries.

@HuskyNan . @temery Letting you know up front about this post so you can zap early if you feel it is inappropriate

 

[Mandoo]

The ongoing disparaging comments about the training staff for any injuries sustained is borderline nuts. Stuff happens to people all the time. No one’s fault. Our kids have one of the very best staffs and some of the best resources of anyone. Are you blaming our staff for the ND player pushing AE into Azzi?

Many players in college ball come to college with past problems with knees, hips, back, etc. Azzi is case in point. Likewise Caroline. No surprises when they go down with injuries. None.