UNC Women’s Basketball: Alyssa Ustby set to return?

On Monday night, UNC women’s basketball standout Alyssa Ustby hinted at a potential return to the court with an interesting Instagram post.

Due to injury, UNC women’s basketball standout Alyssa Ustby has been forced to miss the team’s last five games. During that span, the Tar Heels are just 2-3 without their leading rebounder and post presence.

After defeating Wake Forest on Sunday afternoon, head coach Courtney Banghart was quoted as saying that Ustby was considered “day to day or even minute by minute.” On Monday, the speculation on her return intensified even more, as an interesting Instagram post by the junior forward suggests that she’s ready to return.

Ustby posted the above picture with the caption “tell a friend to tell a friend.” If you’re unfamiliar with the popular TikTok sound, the lyrics go on to say, “she’s back!”

To add to that, her fellow Tar Heel teammates commented in excitement, as Deja Kelly wrote, “I COULD CRY” while the likes of Kennedy Todd-Williams and Paulina Paris responded with “she’s back” comments of their own.

Based on the post and the reaction, it would be a safe bet to say that Ustby is expected to return to the court on Thursday night as the UNC women’s basketball program hosts No. 9 ranked Virginia Tech.

Ustby’s return to the lineup would be huge, especially considering that the ACC and NCAA Tournaments are quickly approaching. She is an impact player who does a little bit of everything, as the Tar Heels are definitely a better team when she’s on the court.

Eva Hodgson’s status is still yet unknown, but it’s a great start to have Ustby returning. Could this team, one that is very similar to last year’s Sweet 16 squad be getting healthy just at the right time?

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