Michigan State’s Allyssa DeHaan is not giving up on professional basketball, but a herniated disc in her back has led her to decide against pursuing free-agent deals with a WNBA team this spring.
DeHaan, who has used up her college basketball eligibility and was
, announced through Michigan State on Friday she plans to return to school in the fall to complete degree requirements in human biology and graduate in December.
DeHaan played this season with the herniated disc problem. The Spartans lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
“After our season ended, I rested my back, but it never recovered to a point where I thought I would be able to compete,” DeHaan said in a news release from the sports information department. “I was unable to attend any pre-draft camps, and at this point, I am still not in a condition to compete for a position on a WNBA roster.”
The 6-foot-9 DeHaan, who declined an interview request, finished her career fourth all-time at MSU with 1,649 points and 919 rebounds. She set the NCAA Division I blocked shots record this year and ended her career second all-time with 503. She also set a Michigan State record with 136 games played.
DeHaan has not ruled out back surgery. After recovery and completing her education, she likely will attempt to play professional basketball as a free agent in the WNBA or overseas.
“I have dedicated so much time over the past four years towards both academics and basketball,” DeHaan said in the news release. “I am in a great position to take the MCATs (Medical College Admission Test) this summer and finish up my education in December. I still want to give playing professionally a try, but this path will help my long-term goal of becoming a doctor.”
Michigan State coach Suzy Merchant said in the release that DeHann is a very intelligent young woman who will be successful in whatever she pursues after college.
“It is disappointing that Allyssa’s back injury will prevent her from playing professional basketball this summer, but with how dedicated she is to her academics, it opens an avenue for her to finish her education,” Merchant said.
E-mail Greg Johnson at gjohnson@grpress.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/gjohnsongrp