Non-contact, lower extremity injuries are never fun. They come at random times, are unavoidable and leave athletes in somewhat of a confused and helpless state. Some of the most famous athletes have had their careers altered by such occasions; think Kobe’s Achilles, DeMarcus Cousins’ Achilles and Shaun Livingston’s knee. So we all collectively held our breath when No. 3 UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers went down, untouched, late in UConn’s 73-54 win over Notre Dame and writhed in pain.
Fortunately, we can breathe again. On Tuesday, UConn described Bueckers’ injury as a tibial plateau fracture that would require six to eight weeks of recovery time.
We're all behind you, Paige 💙 pic.twitter.com/ecVLeWwqYZ
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) December 7, 2021
Considering the range of outcomes, two months isn’t the worst thing in the world. Bueckers avoids surgery and still has a chance to return this year in time for the postseason — barring any setbacks. Thinking optimistically, Bueckers underwent ankle surgery in May and it didn’t seem to have any negative impact on her performance this season (21.2 points, 6.2 assists, 5.5 rebounds per game). So, don’t expect to see a diminished version of the superstar once she fully recovers.
What’s likely out of the picture now, however, is an opportunity to collect the Naismith, AP Player of the Year or Wooden Awards; honors given to college basketball’s most outstanding individual players. Bueckers won all three awards last season and became the first freshman to ever take home any of the honors en route to the Final Four.
The Huskies could slip a bit in the polls as they move on without Bueckers for the time being. Additionally, their championship odds are listed at +200 but could fall at your preferred books as the season progresses. Such a drop might make for the perfect opportunity to buy the dip on UConn if you believe Bueckers will be back and in form for the madness that ensues in March and April.
Given the circumstances, it’s a solid news day for fans of the sport as well as Bueckers and her supporters.
