UCSB power forward Jesse Byrd will not play his senior season due to a re-occurrence of a left knee injury that bothered him last year.
During the final minutes of the San Diego State game on Dec. 21st, Jesse suffered a torn lateral meniscus and sat the next six weeks out. He returned and played the rest of the season. During this past spring, Jesse started feeling pain again and had to have surgery for the second time on the knee. As of now, it ends Jesse Byrd's basketball career. tear, tear, tear.
"We fully support Jesse's decision," coach Bob Williams said. "We are saddened by the loss of a team-leader, both on and off the floor, but Jesse's long-term health is also our top priority. He will continue to be involved in the athletics department and with men's basketball throughout the 2009-2010 season."
Even though this is one of the toughest days for me in a while as a Gaucho fan, the hurt will most likely be healed by the return of PG Justin Joyner and the addition of transfers Orlando Johnson (Loyola Marymount) and Jon Pastorek (San Diego State). They will also have eight major contributors from 2008-09 and two talented freshman, Chris Brew and Lucas Devenny.
The Gauchos open their season up on November 14th at 7 p.m. vs. Cal State Los Angeles.
Go Gauchos and wish Jesse Byrd the best!!
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