Stanford standout Cameron Brink will be absent from the game that could potentially mark Tara VanDerveer’s historic achievement in basketball. Brink, a two-time All-American, will not participate in Stanford’s matchup against Oregon State due to a leg injury. If the Cardinal manages to secure a victory in Brink’s absence, VanDerveer will claim her 1,203rd career win, surpassing any other coach in college basketball history.
Brink sustained the injury during Friday night’s game against Oregon after colliding with Ducks guard Sofia Bell. Although she initially returned to the bench after limping off the court and attempted to stretch, Brink was ultimately ruled out for that game. Post a decisive win over Oregon, an X-ray was conducted, and the team declared Brink a game-time decision before ultimately ruling her out an hour before the 2 p.m. tipoff against Oregon State.
While Brink’s injury did not appear severe, as she watched most of the second half from the bench on Friday, her absence is significant. During the postgame celebration of VanDerveer’s 1,202nd win, tying Mike Krzyzewski’s all-time record, Brink contributed by lifting her head coach off the court.
Recognized as Stanford’s top overall player, Brink boasts averages of 17.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game. Her pivotal role contributed to Stanford’s 2021 national championship, and she was named last year’s Pac-12 Co-Player of the Year.
In Brink’s absence, the team is likely to rely more on freshman forward Nunu Agara, with increased focus on Kiki Iriafen, who has delivered three consecutive outstanding performances.
