Connecticut Sun: Rookie guard Rachel Banham undergoes season-ending micro-fracture surgery

From the team:

Rookie guard Rachel Banham had season-ending micro-fracture surgery on her right knee Friday at the Constitution Surgery Center in Waterford. Rehabilitation from the surgery, performed by team orthopedist Ammar Anbari, is between four and six months.

“We knew the surgery might yield different results than we had hoped for,” said Connecticut Sun Vice President and General Manager Chris Sienko, explaining that although the initial plan was for Banham to undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair a lateral meniscus tear, it was known that a more serious procedure might be required. “However, this puts Rachel in great position to rehab and return with no issues. We are united behind her and we are excited to have her return next season.”

Selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft, Banham appeared in 15 games for the Sun, making 20-of-49 shots from the field, including 13 three-pointers. She had two key threes in the win at Dallas on July 2nd, but was limited to five minutes Thursday night against Minnesota.

“While we are obviously disappointed to lose Rachel for the remainder of the season, we remain tremendously excited about her bright future with the Sun,” said coach Curt Miller of Banham, who began experiencing pain in the knee early in the season. “Rachel showed the potential to be an impact player in this league despite playing through significant pain for the majority of the season. We really appreciate her grit and determination to play when less than 100 percent, but it is now time for her to concentrate on her rehab so she can come back healthy for her second season.”

The Sun will return to action on Sunday, July 10th, taking on the Atlanta Dream at Mohegan Sun Arena.