By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
You don't become an All-American by sitting on the bench and star Washburn University point guard Tyler Geiman very rarely left the floor a year ago, averaging 36 minutes a game while helping leading the Ichabods to a 20-7 record, the MIAA Tournament championship and the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament.
After averaging 20.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.5 steals a year ago, Geiman and the Ichabods entered the 2021-2022 season with the highest of hopes, but things took a drastic turn early in the Ichabods' season-opener when the 6-foot-1 senior went down with a sprained left ankle.
But after missing the rest of the opener and WU's next seven games, Geiman is finally back in the game and determined to make up for lost time.
All-American point guard Tyler Geiman missed an extended period of time with an ankle injury but is back in action for the Ichabods, who will host Rogers State in an MIAA contest on Saturday. [File photo/TSN]
"I just came down on a guy's foot and turned it,'' Geiman said. "There's different grades of sprain and it was like a Grade 3 so I completely tore the ligament in my ankle that's normally involved with sprains.
"My freshman year I missed some games with an ankle injury, but this is probably my worst (injury) for sure.''
Geiman admitted that it was hard being on the sidelines, but said he just tried to make the best of a bad situation.
"It was definitely tough at times but I just tried to bring whatever I could to help others out,'' he said. "Also, you see the game differently from the sidelines, so I can learn some things that we can work on as a team.''
Geiman was finally able to return for Washburn's overtime loss at Central Oklahoma on Dec. 9 and is coming off a 13-point, 8-assist, 6-rebound performance in last Saturday's 72-61 win over Newman.
And every day he's back, Geiman feels a little more like his old self for the 5-5, 2-2 Ichabods, who will host Rogers State in a 6 p.m. MIAA contest on Saturday at Lee Arena.
"I would say I'm probably back to like 85 percent and working my way to get back,'' said the former Blue Valley star. "My biggest thing now is just kind of the mental aspect and getting confidence back in it and not worrying about it and just going out and playing.''
Geiman has struggled a little bit offensively in his first two games back, but is confident that will turn around.
"Shooting will come,'' Geiman said. "My teammates and coaches tell me to keep shooting so I know that will come.''
Unfortunately Geiman had plenty of company on the bench for Washburn during his rehab, with 6-9 junior post Jonny Clausing out with a foot injury and sophomore guard Tyler Nelson also missing the entire season thus far.
But Geiman said the expectations remain high for the Ichabods, picked second in the preseason MIAA polls, once they get back to full strength.
"This could be a good thing in the long run because some other guys got some experience,'' Geiman said. "It could be good.''
