Incoming freshmen Ciera Toomey and Laila Hull will both take medical redshirts for the UNC women’s basketball team’s 2023-24 season as they continue to rehab high school injuries, the program announced on Tuesday.

“When any player that you are excited to coach redshirts, there is obviously an element of disappointment as their process is a bit delayed,” said head coach Courtney Banghart. “But this decision also means that they get a year to rehab, build strength, and better prepare for the collegiate game, so in many ways it’s a win.”

Toomey and Hull are two of a highly-touted five-woman freshman class for Banghart, one which also includes guard Reniya Kelly and forward RyLee Grays. Toomey was ranked as the No. 3 player in her class and chose Carolina over an offer from UConn, but missed most of her senior season with a torn ACL. Hull was named Indiana’s Miss Basketball and the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2023 after averaging 22.4 points per game as a senior. Both players had surgery in the offseason.

“I’ve already been really inspired by the work ethic and dedication of both Ciera and Laila,” Banghart said, “and am thrilled with their decision to get four full years with us on the court. I know we will continue to get their best as they work hard to return even stronger.”

 

Featured image via Scranton Times-Tribune

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