While Rebecca Lobo is itching to return to the lineup within three weeks, Liberty coach Richie Adubato is cautioning her to take her time.
In a meeting after yesterday’s midday practice, Adubato explained to the 6-foot-4 Lobo that he wants her to come back from her knee injury when she is completely healthy. Otherwise, he said, she wouldn’t be helping the team, or herself.
“She’s anxious,” Adubato said at the Garden. “I want her to be 100 percent before she goes on the floor, because with her status in the league, people are going to expect production.”
Lobo, 26, originally tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during the first minute of last season’s opener at the Garden. After surgery, she missed the rest of the season.
Then, while undergoing rehabilitation, Lobo re-tore the same ACL on Dec. 12, and underwent another operation. She has missed the entire season, including last night’s home meeting with the Phoenix Mercury. She is not practicing yet.
During their private on-court chat yesterday, Adubato told Lobo that he has coached four NBA players who have suffered the same injury as she had: Bernard King, Roy Tarpley, Mark Price and Jeff Turner. He said all four came back to play, but only after extensive rehabilitation periods.
King, for example, missed almost two full seasons with the Knicks; however, due to improved surgical procedures, players today with this injury often resume playing much faster.
Along with Teresa Weatherspoon, Lobo, the former Connecticut all-American, is one of the Liberty’s most recognizable stars. In her first two seasons, she played a key role for the Liberty, especially in ’97 when she averaged 12.4 points and 7.3 rebounds and helped the Liberty reach the WNBA finals.
Her absence this season has been a factor in the Liberty’s subpar 5-7 record heading into last night.
“She’s dying to get back with us,” forward Sue Wicks said. “We need her intelligence on the court. Hopefully, it’s less than a month.”
Said Weatherspoon, “I’m sure it’s been very difficult for her sitting and watching us, knowing she can help us.”
With Wicks struggling offensively, Adubato replaced her in the starting lineup last night with 6-3 sharpshooter Marina Ferragut.
Wicks is second [to Chamique Holdsclaw] in the forward category in All-Star ballot voting. At guard, Weatherspoon is second to Nikki McCray. Voting ended yesterday; the starters will be announced July 8.
Wicks and teammate Crystal Robinson will sign autographs at the NBA Store today at 5 p.m. In addition, a drawing will take place to win tickets for Friday’s Liberty-Indiana game.