How does Drake women's basketball replace injured star Megan Meyer?
When Drake women’s basketball player Megan Meyer suffered a torn ACL in practice last month, a giant void was created in the Bulldogs' lineup for the remainder of the season.
Coach Allison Pohlman said it will take more than one player to replace Meyer's production.
“Filling that void is very difficult and has to be by committee,” Pohlman said Tuesday. “And each and every game, I think we’re going to peel back layers and figure out who’s ready and who’s going to pull this and do that.”
Meyer, a 5-foot-8 guard, sustained the knee injury in practice while preparing for Drake’s Dec. 22 game, which was ultimately canceled due to weather.
Because of the holiday break, Pohlman said the team had trouble getting a definitive answer on the severity of Meyer’s injury. Coaches didn't find out until recently and announced on Monday that Meyer would undergo surgery, ending her season.
“You kind of know in those moments that the outlook wasn’t real, real high,” Pohlman said.
The Bulldogs lose a strong shooter with a ton of experience. The Mason City native played two seasons at Iowa before transferring to Drake. She was last season’s Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year and a 2022-23 Preseason All-MVC pick. She averaged 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 43.3% from 3-point range this season.
“We’ve got to go back to the drawing board and figure a few things out,” Pohlman said.
Taylor McAulay, who missed last season with an injury, took over Meyer's starting spot. Pohlman said freshman Ava Hawthorne, a Gilbert native, will get some chances to help. Forward Anna Miller and Ames native Ashley Iiams also could see increased playing time.
“We’ve got some options there,” Pohlman said.
Meyer will have surgery within the next week. She's a senior but has another year of eligibility remaining due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She could pursue a medical redshirt, which would give her two years of eligibility. Pohlman said she hasn’t discussed any long-term plans with Meyer yet.
“I sure as heck hope that she comes back,” Pohlman said. “It would be really great to be able to have her at least play another year of her career and not end her career that way. But ultimately that’s her decision.”
Tommy Birch, the Register's sports enterprise and features reporter, has been working at the newspaper since 2008. He's the 2018 and 2020 Iowa Sportswriter of the Year. Reach him at tbirch@dmreg.com or 515-284-8468. Follow him on Twitter @TommyBirch.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How does Drake women's basketball replace injured star Megan Meyer?
