UConn forward Aubrey Griffin's season has come to an unfortunate end after doctors confirmed that she suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee. The injury occurred during a game against Creighton last week, when Griffin collapsed to the floor while going up to contest a layup in the third quarter. She decided to wait for an official diagnosis until the team returned from their road trip, and the subsequent examination by UConn doctors confirmed the ACL tear. Griffin will undergo surgery at a later date.
The loss of Griffin is a significant blow to the UConn women's basketball team. As a fifth-year senior, she had been a valuable contributor on the court, averaging 9.5 points and 6.0 rebounds in 14 games this season. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a previous medical redshirt year following a back injury, Griffin still has another year of college eligibility if she chooses to return to school.
Unfortunately, Griffin is not the only player sidelined by injuries for the Huskies. Star guard Azzi Fudd suffered a season-ending knee injury in November, freshman forward Jana El Alfy sustained a preseason Achilles tendon injury, post player Ayanna Patterson underwent knee surgery last month, and guard Caroline Ducharme continues to deal with concussion and neck issues.
With the latest injuries, UConn now has only nine available players for their game against Providence. Losing multiple players to season-ending injuries has become a recurring theme for the Huskies, as last season they were forced to postpone a game when they couldn't field a team with the minimum number of healthy players.
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma acknowledged the challenges his team faces, particularly for the seniors who have experienced both the pandemic and a shorthanded roster. However, Auriemma remains optimistic for the future with regards to Griffin's potential return next season, should she decide to continue her college career.
The No. 13 ranked Huskies (12-3, 4-0 Big East) will undoubtedly face adversity as they navigate the remaining games without key players. Yet, the team continues to display resilience amidst the setbacks and will look to rally together to maintain their strong performance in the Big East conference.
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In light of the recent injuries, the Huskies will need to rely on their remaining players who are available to step up and fill the void left by their sidelined teammates. The road ahead may be challenging, but UConn's history of determination and success suggests that they will find a way to overcome adversity and continue to be a formidable force in women's college basketball.
