The news just keeps getting worse for UConn.
After starting the season with a 2-4 record, they will now be without redshirt sophomore guard Terry Larrier, freshman guard Alterique Gilbert and freshman forward Mamadou Diarra, for the remainder of the 2016-2017 season, the team announced Tuesday.
The team released the following statement:
“After extensive consultations between the UConn medical staff, the appropriate physicians and the families of the student-athletes involved, the UConn men’s basketball program has issued the following updates:
“Freshman guard Alterique Gilbert (Richmond, Va.), who suffered a left shoulder dislocation in the Nov. 17 game against Loyola Marymount, has been diagnosed with a torn labrum and will have season-ending surgery within the next few weeks to repair the damage and tighten the muscles. Recovery and rehabilitation could take up to six months.
“Freshman forward Mamadou Diarra (Queens, N.Y.) has been diagnosed with significant patellofemoral syndrome, resulting in intense knee discomfort with the stress on the knees that high-level college basketball demands. At this time, surgery is not indicated, but Diarra will redshirt for the 2016-17 season, with the expectation that treatment and rehabilitation during the time off from basketball can improve his knee health to the point where he can continue his college basketball career.
“As previously announced, redshirt sophomore guard/forward Terry Larrier (Bronx, N.Y.) suffered a torn left ACL with a medial meniscus tear in the Nov. 21 game against Oklahoma State and will have season-ending surgery within the next few days to repair the damage. The normal recovery time from such a procedure is eight-to-nine months.”
With Larrier out freshmen Vance Jackson and Christian Vital are expected to step up for the Huskies.
“In sports, the reality of someone getting hurt leads to the concept of next man up,” said PSA Cardinals coach Mark Carter. “With PSA Cardinals alum Terry Larrier going down for the season, it is up to the entire team to step up in his place but more importantly, Christian Vital.”
Gilbert began the season averaging 10.3 points per game.
“As bad as he wants to be out there for his teammates for this season, he knows how important this is for his future going forward,” said Georgia State assistant coach, Sharman White, who coached Gilbert at Miller Grove last year.
