Gilmore probably won't be 100% in 2007-08

On April 4, 2007 I wrote about the serious procedure Andrew Gilmore went through on February 28 -- patellar tendonectomy surgery on both knees. At the time I noted that the junior guard hoped to be "ready to go when practice begins in mid-October." On the eve of the first Illinois Wesleyan basketball practice of the season, it sounds like Andrew is still a long way away.

Per Gilmore, his doctor at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis is very pleased with his progress, but it is simply a rehab process that can take up to 12 months (he's at 7 and a half). As far as basketball goes, the initial plan is for Andrew to practice in a part-time capacity every other day. In time he hopes to build up enough strength in his knees to partipate in a full practice, followed by a day off. In the non-conference games, Andrew hopes to work in as the situation allows. He is specifically targeting January 9 - the first CCIW game - as the date he will be able to play in a full game...but again, followed by a day off. It sounds like he may not be able to play/practice on back-to-back days all season long.

Andrew says he has spoken at length to Ron Rose about his situation and that his role this season will depend on a) how his knees feel, and b) how effective he is when he plays and practices.

Reading between the lines, my take is that Andrew probably won't be able to start this year. At 100%, I think he'd be a lock to start at the 2 or even the 3, but it just sounds like he has a long way to go in his recovery process.

In speaking with Andrew, I can tell he is working hard and trying his best to get out there -- this has to be tough for him. Even in a part-time role, I think he has a chance to be a very important part of the 2007-08 Titan squad.