The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team announced that forward Erin Garner would not be available to compete in the upcoming season Tuesday afternoon.
“I’m heartbroken for Erin,” said Kenny Brooks. “Unfortunately, due to her recurring back injury, the medical staff, Erin and I have decided that it’s in her best interest not to play basketball. She’s a great kid and I’m glad that she will continue to be around our program.”
Garner, a redshirt junior who sat out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, will remain on scholarship and continue to participate in team activities.
Senior guard Diandra DaRosa will also be unavailable for Tech after suffering a recent hand injury. A timetable for her return has not been established.
The Pawtucket, Rhode Island native appeared in 13 games last season, making one start against Pitt.
“I was looking forward to getting Diandra out on the court,” said Brooks. “She’s prepared for the season well and I think she brings a unique skill set to our team.”
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the 20 watch list candidates for the 2018 Nancy Lieberman Award. Now in its nineteenth year, the award recognizes the top point guard in women’s NCAA Division I college basketball. Candidates exhibit the floor leadership, play-making and ball-handling skills of Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman.
“The Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to annually present the Nancy Lieberman Award to the top female point guard in the college game,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “This year, we’re excited to announce the addition of four more positional awards. Like Ms. Lieberman, these student-athletes have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals and are very deserving of our recognition.”
The Selection Committee for the Nancy Lieberman Award is composed of top women’s college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers. By mid-February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2018 Lieberman Award will be narrowed to just 10. In March, five finalists will be presented to Ms. Lieberman and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee.
Fans will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist at www.hoophallawards.com.
The winner of the 2018 Lieberman Award will be announced at an inaugural awards ceremony hosted by the Basketball Hall of Fame, Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, and ESPN at the NCAA Women’s Final Four in Columbus, Ohio. ESPN broadcast information will be released at a later date.
“Since 2000, the Nancy Lieberman Award committee has identified the best point guards in the game,” Lieberman said. “When you look at the list of winners over the past 18 years, we’ve celebrated players with extraordinary talent, grit and leadership skills. To earn this award, is to be recognized among the greats and the women on this watch list should be proud of their accomplishments thus far.”
Hicks, a junior from Norfolk, Virginia led the Hokies in scoring last year at 16.1 points per game. Regarded as one of the most athletic players in the ACC and the country, Hicks set the Tech program record with 123 steals in a season, breaking her own mark set during her freshman season. That mark led the conference and ranked second in the nation.
Her 3.62 steals per game was the best mark in the conference and ranked fifth in the nation.