NORMAN — Some who have watched freshman guard Maddie Manning play this season for the Oklahoma women saw similarities between Manning and Stacey Dales.
That thought was grimly amplified Thursday when OU announced Manning will miss the rest of the season to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee.
The injury was suffered in practice Wednesday, though coaches and players were hopeful the injury was not serious, as Manning was able to walk off the floor. However, an MRI has since made the injury clear.
Manning will undergo surgery at a date to be determined before embarking on what’s likely to be six months of rehabilitation.
Manning resembles Dales physically, taller than six feet with long legs and arms. She plays the same point-guard position. And, just like Dales, OU’s starting point guard for four consecutive seasons from the spring of 1999 to the fall of 2002, when she led the Sooners to the Final Four, Manning will have her true freshman season washed away to injury. Additionally, just like Dales, she will be able to claim a medical redshirt, and have four additional seasons to play for coach Sherri Coale beginning next season.
Manning had just entered OU’s starting lineup last week at the Rainbow Wahine Classic in Honolulu. Manning was averaging 6.2 points and 3.3 rebounds through six games.
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