Painful Choices For Brianna Turner

[RockyMTblue2]

Dummy here had Brianna Turner a Sr. But I visited Muffet's Bench today and got straightened out. She's a Jr. While there is no definitive medical information, but some Muffet remarks suggested the injury may mean she loses next year too as she rehabs. So the fans there are asking would she stay a fifth year or take her chances on the draft. Doing the later would not be a unique move. If they are right and the prudent course of rehab takes so much of next year as to dictate a red shirt, would she stay? Who knows of course. Would staying another year gain her more in the pro derby? Does she bleed green enough to hang for the 5th year and risk injury, which surely ran through Tuck's mind? And then Tuck goes down in the WNBA.

 

[bags27]

Great questions, Rocky. Don't know the answer, but just to add that when she had her shoulder injury the early talk was to redshirt her, but she saw another specialist and decided she could play through it. What does that mean? that she's anxious to get on with her life? maybe. Again, though, so sorry for what's happened to her. Seems like an exceptionally nice person who's had exceptionally bad luck. Maybe another reason to think about putting college behind her.

 

[UcMiami]

Dummy here had Brianna Turner a Sr. But I visited Muffet's Bench today and got straightened out. She's a Jr. While there is no definitive medical information, but some Muffet remarks suggested the injury may mean she loses next year too as she rehabs. So the fans there are asking would she stay a fifth year or take her chances on the draft. Doing the later would not be a unique move. If they are right and the prudent course of rehab takes so much of next year as to dictate a red shirt, would she stay? Who knows of course. Would staying another year gain her more in the pro derby? Does she bleed green enough to hang for the 5th year and risk injury, which surely ran through Tuck's mind? And then Tuck goes down in the WNBA.

I think if she truly cannot play next year, it would be wise to get her feet under her in another year of college rather than go pro - Usually takes some time playing before a player adjusts and relearns how to trust the repaired knee. Why not do that with a dedicated training staff and full on facilities on campus, rather than living in a strange city and working with people not involved with the original operation and rehab process.

 

[01Neaggrad02]

Jessica Moore tore her ACL, went back into the game and continued to play.... and then was back for the start of the next season. If Jessica Moore can do it... so can Turner.

 

[Bayareahusky]

Wow - maybe injury goes into next year too.... hate to hear that... whatever she chooses I hope she does so well in the future.... she is fun to watch on the court

 

[huskeynut]

This is not suprising. Rehab from an ACL can take up to a year. Not only the rehab, but what range of motion will the repaired knee have.

How long it takes an athlete to regain the trust in the repaired knee varies.

I can only hope all works out well for Brianna.

 

[Jim]

If she redshirts, she be in the draft with Lou, Napheesa, and Azura. If she goes with her class, she will be along side with Kia, Gabby, and Wilson of SC. Either way, I don't see her as a top 3 pick having just coming off from being injured.

I think it boils down to how quickly she returns to form and whether finances drive her decision.

 

[BigBird]

Jessica Moore tore her ACL, went back into the game and continued to play.... and then was back for the start of the next season. If Jessica Moore can do it... so can Turner.

As I'm sure you will agree, each case is different. Moore's injury may have been less in severity, or perhaps she was indeed uniquely able to recover. The video of Turner going down was gruesome, to say the least. A diagnosis of one year to recover in her case doesn't surprise me at all. I hope she eventually exits this situation in top shape.

 

[YellwJcket999]

If I am not mistaken Britney Sykes decided to come back as a 5th year player to up her stock in the draft. We will see how that works out for her. The ACL injury must be pretty severe if she won't be back at all next year. I hope that this is not the case. Turner is a great post player. ND is diminished without her in the line up.

 

[TitleTown]

McGraw said "Turner not only tore the anterior cruciate ligament, she also tore the lateral meniscus and sustained other damage. She said Turner would need to recover some before undergoing surgery and is expected to be out for six months." I really hope that an injury to Turner's patellar tendon is not part of the "other damage". That is considered one of the worst possible injuries for an athlete.

 

[nyfanofwbb]

McGraw said "Turner not only tore the anterior cruciate ligament, she also tore the lateral meniscus and sustained other damage. She said Turner would need to recover some before undergoing surgery and is expected to be out for six months." I really hope that an injury to Turner's patellar tendon is not part of the "other damage". That is considered one of the worst possible injuries for an athlete.

ACL recovery is generally a year with rehab. My daughter tore both 9 months apart 1 was worse then the other . I believe BT will play for the WNBA she just may not go in the top 5. She'll be lucky to be back and ready for next season. Sadly it happens but you don't want to risk your future by rushing back prematurely. I wish her a speedy recovery.

 

[ctdad]

One other factor re. a potential 5th year; to get one at ND, you have to be admitted to graduate school. Does she want to do that? She will finish her degree in 2018, so she would also have the option of a graduate transfer for that 5th year.

She is enrolled in ND's College of Business (which, along with Virginia, is ranked 1st or 2nd among all undergraduate business schools); she could just decide to move on to a business career as well.

She has lots of options.

 

[Icebear]

McGraw said "Turner not only tore the anterior cruciate ligament, she also tore the lateral meniscus and sustained other damage. She said Turner would need to recover some before undergoing surgery and is expected to be out for six months." I really hope that an injury to Turner's patellar tendon is not part of the "other damage". That is considered one of the worst possible injuries for an athlete.

Having a had complete tear in my patellar tendon six years ago I can say it was not a complete patellar tear or else her leg would simply have swung loose like a broken gate. With a fully torn patellar there is no possible control of the lower leg. They, also, would want her to get to surgery quickly so the the large muscle group does not contract making reattachment and rehab more complicated. Mine waited for ten days because of the Thanksgiving holiday consequently I have slack in that leg today because when the surgery reattached it together the surgical crew pulled it as tight as they could but physical therapy then restored and lengthened the muscled to its natural length. She may have had damage but not a complete patellar tear.

 

[Orangutan]

I suspect they won't truly know what the recovery prognosis is until they do the surgery. And even then you never know. Ali Patberg's was supposed to be a 9-month recovery but it ended up being closer to a year as just as she was ready to come back she felt pain in her knee again, which ended up being a bone spur that cost her three more months.

If it truly does end up being a 6 month injury, depending on when they do the surgery, she wouldn't necessarily miss much or any of next season.

 

[chrissaran]

She may decide as Morgan decided and forego her fifth year. Odds are nobody is going to beat UConn in two years with Katie Lou, Napheesa, and Azura seniors, Batouly a junior, and Megan, Lexi, Mikayla, and Andra sophomores, along with new recruits, like Charli Collier.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

Dummy here had Brianna Turner a Sr. But I visited Muffet's Bench today and got straightened out. She's a Jr. While there is no definitive medical information, but some Muffet remarks suggested the injury may mean she loses next year too as she rehabs. So the fans there are asking would she stay a fifth year or take her chances on the draft. Doing the later would not be a unique move. If they are right and the prudent course of rehab takes so much of next year as to dictate a red shirt, would she stay? Who knows of course. Would staying another year gain her more in the pro derby? Does she bleed green enough to hang for the 5th year and risk injury, which surely ran through Tuck's mind? And then Tuck goes down in the WNBA.

I just cringe when hearing descriptions of these awful injuries.

But regarding whether she would redshirt and come back for a fifth year, the question is "why?" What does she have to gain from sitting out a year and coming back? As a junior who completed most of three seasons, she's an AA, or near-AA. She has nothing to prove to the pros. She has little to gain from coming back, except for another chance at a national championship. On the other hand, as we saw with Morgan Tuck, Shea Ralph and others, this sort of injury can seriously impact your professional career, or even end it. Why come back and play for nothing, when you could actually make good money while you're still healthy? If she comes back a year from now after redshirting, Turner risks incurring yet another injury and eliminating the chance of every collecting a good salary from basketball.

And all for the glory of a college championship? Common sense suggests that her professional career is short, and she needs to make hay while the sun shines.

 

[Plebe]

When Muffet was reported as saying something along the lines of "it wasn't just her ACL, she pretty much tore everything," I can't help but think of Willis McGahee's knee injury in the national championship game, which tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL. That was probably the most gruesome knee injury I've ever seen, but that was caused by the impact of a tackler.

It's baffling that a completely non-contact injury such as Turner's — where she was simply down-cutting and catching the ball in stride, without sudden twists or stops — could cause such devastation. Anyway, McGahee's draft position fell roughly 20 spots and he did sit out the entire following NFL season while he rehabbed.

 

[Orangutan]

When Muffet was reported as saying something along the lines of "it wasn't just her ACL, she pretty much tore everything," I can't help but think of Willis McGahee's knee injury in the national championship game, which tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL. That was probably the most gruesome knee injury I've ever seen, but that was caused by the impact of a tackler.

It's baffling that a completely non-contact injury such as Turner's — where she was simply down-cutting and catching the ball in stride, without sudden twists or stops — could cause such devastation. Anyway, McGahee's draft position fell roughly 20 spots and he did sit out the entire following NFL season while he rehabbed.

Well, Muffet wasn't exactly speaking precisely. This is the clarification the local news got:

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I just cringe when hearing descriptions of these awful injuries.

But regarding whether she would redshirt and come back for a fifth year, the question is "why?" What does she have to gain from sitting out a year and coming back? As a junior who completed most of three seasons, she's an AA, or near-AA. She has nothing to prove to the pros. She has little to gain from coming back, except for another chance at a national championship. On the other hand, as we saw with Morgan Tuck, Shea Ralph and others, this sort of injury can seriously impact your professional career, or even end it. Why come back and play for nothing, when you could actually make good money while you're still healthy? If she comes back a year from now after redshirting, Turner risks incurring yet another injury and eliminating the chance of every collecting a good salary from basketball.

And all for the glory of a college championship? Common sense suggests that her professional career is short, and she needs to make hay while the sun shines.

I absolutely agree with this analysis, but as we are often reminded they are "still kids" and she may have tremendous loyalty to Muffet and the team. The education factor could come into play too. Anyone know what she is majoring in or what she sees as a career post-ball?

 

[Plebe]

Well, Muffet wasn't exactly speaking precisely. This is the clarification the local news got:

Thanks for posting this. I somehow figured that Muffet was again having a hard time staying away from the hyperbole

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Having a had complete tear in my patellar tendon six years ago I can say it was not a complete patellar tear or else her leg would simply have swung loose like a broken gate. With a fully torn patellar there is no possible control of the lower leg. They, also, would want her to get to surgery quickly so the the large muscle group does not contract making reattachment and rehab more complicated. Mine waited for ten days because of the Thanksgiving holiday consequently I have slack in that leg today because when the surgery reattached it together the surgical crew pulled it as tight as they could but physical therapy then restored and lengthened the muscled to its natural length. She may have had damage but not a complete patellar tear.

What Bear, you too! I fell through an aluminum ladder and totally severed the patellar tendon. You are, of course, correct. She would have left the court on a stretcher and the trainer would see her knee cap on the left or right side of her knee!

 

[Florida Fan]

She stays, rehabs, gets strong, Muffet keeps recruiting high school All Americans and they power to another undefeated season into the final four. That's a lot of exposure coming up to the WNBA draft. Right now, Turner is damaged goods, vulnerable, fragile. She needs to turn around that assessment. Allen graduates, and leaves all those shooters, some with swag, waiting on a talented big to push them over the hump. The question that has been raised here is how long will that rehab take, and does Turner need more than eight months, so has to red-shirt. If the skinny on 2017-2018 is that we run the table maybe Muffet gives Turner more time. We KNOW she will continue to recruit for one or more replacements in the paint. It's too bad that at the ND basketball banquet, those brilliant seasons have an asterisk ( except for UCONN)#) But even without Turner, they are dangerous, waiting on Muffet to plan a four-guard offense with the big they have. Four, five, or six guards driving on Gabby is a scary thought. Bombs away.

 

[Dillon77]

Bags: One reason Turner once touched on about playing through the shoulder issues last year was her desire to play with that senior class, specifically Maddie Cable, Mikayla Mabrey and Hannah Huffman. She was a sophomore at the time and if she took a redshirt then, they would be gone by the time she came back.
She genuinely liked her senior buddies (as we Irish fans on/off McGraw's Bench did then...and even a little bit more in retrospect )

I just hope she gets better. She's had tough, tougher and toughest luck and Bri is a good player and even better person according to all that know her. Best of luck to she and her family.

 

[Dillon77]

She stays, rehabs, gets strong, Muffet keeps recruiting high school All Americans and they power to another undefeated season into the final four. That's a lot of exposure coming up to the WNBA draft. Right now, Turner is damaged goods, vulnerable, fragile. She needs to turn around that assessment. Allen graduates, and leaves all those shooters, some with swag, waiting on a talented big to push them over the hump. The question that has been raised here is how long will that rehab take, and does Turner need more than eight months, so has to red-shirt. If the skinny on 2017-2018 is that we run the table maybe Muffet gives Turner more time. We KNOW she will continue to recruit for one or more replacements in the paint. It's too bad that at the ND basketball banquet, those brilliant seasons have an asterisk ( except for UCONN)#) But even without Turner, they are dangerous, waiting on Muffet to plan a four-guard offense with the big they have. Four, five, or six guards driving on Gabby is a scary thought. Bombs away.

Hey, I'll look past those asteriks . We have two bigs -- Mikayla Vaughn and Danielle Patterson -- coming aboard in Fall 2017. The plan was for those two to learn from Brianna, high post Kat Westbeld and sub Koko Nelson, who has been granted a 5th year at ND, which in same-season retrospect is a whew!

Depending on what comes out of this surgery, if Bri has to rehab longer, the bad news is those two are thrown into the fire faster than expected. The possible good news: they get experience, so if Bri comes back to ND in '18, that's a threesome of Turner, Vaughn and Patterson. We'll see, based on surgery, Bri's plans, etc.

In the meantime, you're right -- MM loves her High Post and the Four Horsemen, err Guards. She's done this before with Westbeld, Allen and other guards. You know Mabrey and Ogunbowale will have no trouble firing a few more off and Jackie Young is starting to shift into a higher gear game by game.

 

[iamcbs]

Typical rehab from an ACL injury is one year, which would eliminate her for next season as well. Should she wait another full season to play one more season at ND? That's the $64K question. I hope she has a great support system around her to get her options and make the best decision for her.