Gertrude out for the rest of the season after scooter accident – The Cavalier Daily

Sophomore Elijah Gertrude will miss the upcoming men’s basketball season due to a knee injury sustained in a scooter accident in April, the program announced Friday.

The accident occurred on April 30, and Gertrude had to undergo surgery on May 17. The show’s press release said the surgery was “successful.”

A fluid defender with impressive athleticism, Gertrude had originally planned not to play in her freshman year as she was still recovering from the ACL injury she suffered in her senior year of high school. However, that decision was reversed a few weeks into the 2023-24 season, and Gertrude played in 16 games, averaging 3.4 points and 1.2 rebounds.

He often showed flashes of his considerable potential, making spectacular shots and contributing to spectacular moments in his few minutes. But he struggled with three-point shooting and showed an inexperience that a redshirt year might have fixed.

He seemed like a promising prospect, someone who could transform into a more capable and refined playmaker and scorer in the offseason. As Virginia fans’ bitterness over the end of last season turned to excitement about the upcoming season, the thought of the 6-foot-4 Gertrude sparked excitement and raised expectations.

“He had a solid first season on the grounds and had a fantastic start in our offseason workouts,” coach Tony Bennett said in the program’s statement.

The excitement and expectations fans have for Gertrude will have to wait, but Bennett has brought in reinforcements. He nabbed sophomore guard Dai Dai Ames from Kansas State and senior guard Jalen Warley from Florida State in the transfer portal, and senior guard Dante Harris recently withdrew his name from the transfer portal and will return as a walk-on.

Also at that position are junior guard Isaac McKneely, junior guard Andrew Rohde, senior guard Taine Murray and redshirt freshman guard Christian Bliss. These returning talents, along with the upcoming transfers, will bolster Bennett’s roster in Gertrude’s absence.