In it to Win It!

It is what every player works so hard for all season, to do well enough to make it into the tournament and this year the 49ers Men's basketball team will be entering the Big West tournament as the number on seed. Getting this far is an accomplishment all on its own but making sure all the key players stay healthy throughout the post season is a challenge.

photo by Jeff Gritchen
Anderson going up for a shot
against UC Irvine.

One player to keep your eye on is Junior guard Larry Anderson. Anderson has been a strong player for the 49ers yet has struggled through a laundry list of injuries.  One of the most common injuries is a twisted or sprained ankle which Anderson has experienced twice. Playing in a tournament at the beginning of the season Anderson rolled his left ankle and ended up rolling the same ankle again the next day. "A real double negative," said Anderson in a interview for the Press Telegram. Although he is healthy going into the Big West Tournament, there are ways to prevent common injuries like sprained ankles so that he will be able to play throughout the whole tournament. Sprained ankles are caused by sudden quick movements when changing directions and by landing incorrectly or on someone’s foot after jumping.  Stretching is the key to preventing sprained ankles. An article from the British Journal of Sports Medicine said, "Basketball players who did not stretch during the warm up were 2.7 times more likely to injure their ankle than players who performed stretches." 


Anderson’s injuries include a torn meniscus, dislocated thumb, planter fasciitis and most recently a broken hand.  He has been strong since the game against UC Santa Barbara.  Staying strong and healthy throughout the Big West tournament will be a focus for Anderson as well as beating his opponents.