University of Tennessee Athletics
LADY VOL HOOPSTER PARKER HAS SURGERY
September 08, 2004 | Women's Basketball
Sept. 8, 2004
KNOXVILLE, TENN.
Jenny Moshak, University of Tennessee Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Medicine, announced this afternoon that Lady Vol rookie basketball standout Candace Parker had undergone follow-up surgery.
"Today's surgery was anticipated as it followed an arthroscopic procedure which was performed on Parker's left knee on August. 26, 2004," said Moshak. "This afternoon, Dr. William T. Youmans, UT Team Orthopedist, addressed the medical issues diagnosed in her previous scope at the UT Medical Center."
Moshak related that Dr. Youmans repaired both the lateral meniscus and the lateral articular cartilage in Parker's left knee. "Dr. Youmans indicated that Candace's ACL, from her prior surgery in July 2003, was in excellent condition," said Moshak.
Parker, a 6'3" freshman forward from Napierville, Ill., is considered to be the most highly decorated female prepster ever to enter the collegiate ranks. A multi-named National Player of the Year, Parker missed the first six weeks of her 2003-04 senior season at Napierville Central H.S., while recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered the summer prior to her senior campaign. Nevertheless, Parker led Naperville to a 33-2 record and a second straight Class AA state championship, despite missing 11 games. The dunking phenom averaged 24.3 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 3.5 blocked shots and 3.3 spg.
"After starting classes in August, Candace was experiencing swelling in her left knee and, upon further diagnostic testing, it was determined that she needed to undergo arthroscopic surgery to assess the source of the swelling," indicated Moshak. "Her surgery on August 26, 2004, involved removing loose cartilage fragments. She began rehabilitation immediately, however, we knew that further surgery would be necessary to repair her knee completely," said Moshak.
Following her senior season, Parker became the first woman ever to win a slam-dunk contest, capturing the PowerAde Jam Fest that was part of the McDonald's High School All-American Game festivities. In the process, she defeated five men, including high-flying New Orleans Hornet J.R. Smith and Connecticut-bound Rudy Gay.
Prior to arriving at UT to start fall classes, Parker led the USA Women's Junior World Championship Qualifying Team to a gold medal in Puerto Rico with a perfect 5-0 record. She led Team USA in virtually every category, tallying 16.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg and held team high-water marks in assists (24), steals (17) and blocked shots (12).
After Parker's initial surgery and following today's procedure, Lady Vol head coach Pat Summitt reiterated what she said earlier. "I have complete faith in our medical staff, as they are one of the best in the country. I know Candace will get back onto the court when her knee is ready and she is able to perform," said Summitt. "However, depending upon how her knee responds to rehabilitation, this could result in a possible redshirt situation."
According to Moshak, Parker's rehabilitation regimen starts anew tomorrow.
