Since her breast cancer diagnosis earlier this summer, we sort of knew it was a possibility that Syracuse Orange women’s basketball star Tiana Mangakahia could miss the 2019-20 season. And now, unfortunately, it appears that will be the case — per her remarks at a Tuesday press conference.
While not having Mangakahia on the court this season is unfortunate for SU’s chance to win the ACC (they were slated to be among the favorites), the bigger focus here is obviously on Mangakahia’s treatment and her long-term health. She’s shared that she’ll be applying for an extra year of eligibility, which would potentially allow her to rejoin the team for 2020-21.