The North Carolina women’s basketball team knows what it’s like to play without Jessica Breland.
After missing all of last season, the senior forward and versatile leader could be out of commission for 10 or more days with a knee injury. But this time, Breland’s teammates know exactly how to deal with her absence.
With games against conference foes Virginia and Virginia Tech in Carmichael Arena this weekend, the Tar Heels (17-3, 3-2 ACC) have no choice but to make the best of the shake-up.
“(Her injury) is a big impact in any type of game,” senior Cetera DeGraffenreid said.
“She would have been a great asset to help us out … but I think we just need to refocus and go with what we have and know we played those two teams without her last year.”
Breland missed all of the 2009-10 season as she received treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and the Tar Heels struggled through a sub-par season where they finished 19-12.
Back on the court, Breland has paced the Tar Heels in scoring four times so far in the 2010-11 campaign, and she has led in rebounding eight times. She also leads the team in total defensive rebounds.
Though the injured Breland will likely leave a large hole in the starting lineup for two or three more games, her teammates are confident they can pick up the slack.
“Sometimes we use her as a safety net,” junior Laura Broomfield said. “Everyone, including me, knows that we have to bring our best every game and even more so now.”