By Aaron Williams–
University of Louisville junior guard Tia Gibbs will miss the 2011-2012 season due to a torn labrum and a bone fragment in her right shoulder. The recovery time for the injury is estimated at four months, effectively ruling out Gibbs for the remainder of Louisville’s scheduled games.
“We are deeply saddened for Tia,” said Louisville head coach Jeff Walz, “This is a big loss for our team and her presence on the floor will be missed. She has worked so hard to become an impact player for us. Tia is a very talented player and has the work ethic and determination to be a great player. We look forward to a full recovery and are excited about her return to the court next season. I know she will come back next year even stronger and ready to contribute. Tia is not only a leader on the court but a leader in the community as well.”
Gibbs’ injury was sustained during the first half of the Lady Cards’ season opener against Missouri State on Nov. 13, a game Louisville would go on to win 73-64. Gibbs had suffered a similar injury to her right shoulder previously in her collegiate career after transferring from the University of Vanderbilt. Fortunately, she recovered as a redshirt.
Gibbs, who was ranked the 78th best prospect in the nation out of high school by the All-Star Girls Report, averaged 8.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game as a starter for the Cardinals last season. She was expected to be a major offensive contributor for this year’s squad as well as a strong defensive presence. Gibbs led the team in steals last season.
Without Gibbs, the task of offensive production for the Lady Cards will fall to the likes of senior guard Becky Burke, who brings experience to the table. Burke went 3-3 from behind the arc against Xavier and lead her team with 13 points en route to the Cardinals victory. The young talent of redshirt sophomore center Cierra Warren and freshman guard Bria Smith, who was ranked the No. 8 high school player in the nation by ESPN HoopGurlz, will also be expected to step up.
Added pressure will fall on Warren due to the foot and back problems that are plaguing Louisville senior center Monique Reid. Reid has missed games versus Eastern Kentucky University and the home opener versus the University of Xavier. Warren has filled the role well so far, dropping 15 points on EKU in addition to grabbing seven rebounds and scoring 10 points against Xavier.
Walz knows that with two of his starting five out of the line-up, the bench will have to be relied upon to make a bigger impact for the Cards in the games to come.
“It is giving a lot of them some opportunities to step up and play more than they would have. There is going to be more expected of them. Now it’s just a matter of who will accept that and who is willing to take these extra minutes that are there, and run with them,” said Walz.
awilliams@louisvillecardinal.com
Photos: Austin Lassell/The Louisville Cardinal
