March 17, 2009
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Texas A&M women's basketball sophomore reserve guard Maryann Baker will undergo shoulder surgery and will miss the remainder of the season as announced by head coach Gary Blair on Tuesday.
The Dallas native out of Bishop Lynch High School played in 21 games with one start for the NCAA Tournament-bound Aggies and has missed the last eight games of the season due to an injury to her right shoulder on Feb. 26.
"Maryann has been our hustle and most valuable player particularly in preparation for the teams that we have faced in the Big 12 this season," Blair said. "She earned one start during conference play and was playing at a very high level when she hurt her shoulder. We want to make sure that we do everything we can to heal her up properly, so she can have a great junior and senior year. While she is on the bench recovering, we will use her as a student coach. Her knowledge of the game is outstanding. She is such a great team player in practice and is always encouraging others around her in game situations."
Baker will have surgery done on her right shoulder after the completion of the season. An MRI confirmed a labral tear that has resulted in multiple episodes of shoulder instability. Post-operation recovery time is expected to be approximately three months with return to play in six months, according to Texas A&M Director of Sports Medicine Dr. J.P. Bramhall. Baker will also undergo arthroscopic surgery on her right knee for internal derangement as a result of a previous ACL injury she suffered in high school in March of 2007.