What's Happening?
The Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball team has suffered a significant setback with the season-ending injury of redshirt sophomore point guard Kennedy Sanders. Sanders, who has been a key player for the team, will undergo hip surgery due to a torn labrum and hip impingement, injuries sustained during offseason conditioning. She had been playing through the pain during the non-conference games but has now been sidelined. Sanders played in 10 of the team's 13 games this season, averaging 9.9 points and 2.2 assists per game. Her absence is a considerable loss for the team, both in terms of her on-court performance and her leadership qualities. Coach JR Payne highlighted Sanders' impact on her teammates, noting her role as a calming presence
and a respected figure within the team. This is Sanders' second major injury in her college career, following a broken foot that affected her freshman year. She plans to apply for a medical redshirt and aims to return for the 2026-27 season.
Why It's Important?
Sanders' injury is a significant blow to the Colorado Buffaloes as they navigate the challenges of the Big 12 Conference. Her absence exacerbates the team's existing struggles with shooting and ball security, as they currently rank second-worst in the conference for three-point shooting and have a high turnover rate. Sanders' defensive skills, including her ability to make steals, will also be missed. The team is already facing difficulties, having lost their Big 12 opener to Arizona State. The return of guard Claire O'Connor, a strong three-point shooter, may help mitigate some of the impact, but the team will need to rely on other players to step up in Sanders' absence. The Buffaloes' ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will be crucial for their hopes of returning to the NCAA Tournament.
What's Next?
With Sanders out for the season, the Colorado Buffaloes will need to adjust their strategy and rely on other players to fill the void. The team is looking forward to the return of Claire O'Connor, who has been out with a foot injury, to help improve their shooting performance. Coach JR Payne will need to focus on improving the team's ball security and defensive rebounding, areas where they have struggled. The contributions of players like forward Jade Masogayo and guards Desiree Wooten and Zyanna Walker will be critical as the team aims to remain competitive in the Big 12 Conference. The Buffaloes will need to find ways to compensate for Sanders' absence and maintain their performance as they continue their conference play.
