NEW ORLEANS - The University of New Orleans women's basketball team
will be short two players when they open their season on Nov. 14
against McNeese State as returning letterwinners
Talishia Young and
Kathy Kassabian will both sit out the 2008-09 season due to injury.
Young suffered a left knee injury during practice last week. A starter for the Lady Privateers in 21 of 30 contests, Young averaged 9.6 points to go along with six rebounds each outing for head coach
Amy Champion's squad.
The senior from Metairie, La. entered the season with 128 blocks, ranking her sixth in school history while also being just 158 points shy of joining the team's 1,000 point club.
“Losing Talishia is definitely a hit to our team," said Champion. "I think at this point, we have realized and accepted that she will not be here. We have had several players emerge to the forefront to fill that void, but there is no question that she will definitely be missed.”
Kassabian, a 5-8 guard, injured her right knee during free play towards the end of the summer. The sophomore from Arlington, Texas is in the midst of a recovery and rehabilitation process that will keep her away from the court for several more months.
She appeared in eight games in 2007-08 as a freshman.
"Kathy had a phenomenal spring and summer," said Champion. "She worked herself into possibly getting a lot of minutes. Her shot had really developed and she had also improved her scoring. It is saddening to us to not have her.”
UNO will seek medical redshirts for Young and Kassabian, and both players are expected to be ready for 2009-10.
