The UA women’s basketball team received some disappointing news late last week when the team learned guard Tasha Dickey would not play this season for the Wildcats. Dickey was supposed to return to the team in four weeks and become another offensive weapon in Arizona’s arsenal.

The sophomore, however, will have surgery due to a right ankle injury she sustained during the preseason that continues to bother her. The Arizona medical staff and coaches decided to go ahead with the procedure and said Dickey will redshirt the 2008-09 season.

Although she is upset Dickey will not be able to be a factor on the court, UA head coach Niya Butts believes the sophomore will still have an impact on the team.

“”I think that what really helps is that Tasha is a very, very vocal player,”” Butts said. “”So even though she won’t be able to give us her help on the floor, she’ll definitely be able to give us something from the bench.””

The Wildcats have two other players – freshmen Courtney Clements and Malia Nahinu – who also have injuries. Clements is expected to return before Nahinu, who still wears a protective boot on her foot.

Dickey started in the annual Red/Blue scrimmage, but has not been seen in any other action this season. She played 28 minutes and had 16 points.

The 5-foot-10 guard is an explosive offensive player and consistently put up points for the Wildcats last season. Dickey played in 28 games as a freshman and earned Pacific 10 Conference All-Freshman Team honorable mention accolades. In 21 starts, she averaged 6.9 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 25.5 minutes.

“”We’re getting a feel for the team,”” Dickey said. “”There are a lot of team leaders. People lead in their own way.””

With her vocal power and hopeful attitude, Dickey will have to be a leader from the bench this season, but her experience will still have an influence on the team.

“”She’s always encouraging them so she’ll be a part of the team,”” Butts said. “”She is still very upfront.””