This week the McGill University Redmen will tip off against the Concordia Stingers basketball team with their star player still recovering from injury.
16 months ago Simon Bibeau tore a ligament in his left knee and had reconstructive surgery.
He's been playing this season, but only under strict conditions that have ensured he doesn't re-injure himself
Playing against Bishop's in November before the winter break, Bibeau made the most of his 17 minutes on the court to score a game-high 21 points.
"Obviously it's hard to have a leash, not doing what you'd like, but if I went 40 minutes in a game I'd have to take a week off and rest my knee," said the McGill guard.
"It's as if I have something to prove, and I want to just go out and help my team."
His teammates say Bibeau is contributing not only on the court, but with his mere presence on the sidelines.
"He has a lot of experience and he brings that to the table every time he steps on the floor," said Aleksander Mitrovic.
For now, the St. Bruno native is focused on making a complete recovery in hopes he will be ready to go all-out to lift the fifth place Redmen into a playoff spot, and compete for the Quebec championship.
Assistant coach John Dangelas has worked with Bibeau since the player was as Champlain College, and saw him dominate at McGill in his first year at the university.
"It's hard but he understands. He's a high character guy, and he understands the importance of the length of the season and that he has to be really good when it matters at the end of February," said Dangelas.
Thursday's game begins at 8 p.m. at the Currie Gym.
