San Antonio, Texas (AHN) - First Lindsey Harding, now, Erin Buescher.

Less than a week after the league's top draft pick in 2007, Harding, tore her anterior cruciate ligament, San Antonio Silver Stars forward Erin Buescher has duplicated Harding's unfortunate downfall.

Buescher will miss the remainder of the 2007 season after tearing her ACL in the same knee as Harding (left) during the opening minute of San Antonio's game against the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday.

The league's current Western Conference player of the week, Buescher was injured after driving into the lane against Phoenix guard Cappie Pondexter on San Antonio's second possession. Buescher collapsed under the basket, grabbing her knee in obvious agony.

The team's coach and general manager, Dan Hughes, commented on the loss of his star player.

"Erin has been playing at an All-Star level throughout the first half [of the season]," Hughes said. "She has so much energy and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing her back on the court in 2008."

Buescher was averaging 11.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game and was fifth in the league in steals per game. Buescher's all-around versatile game is evidenced by her presence among the top 20 league leaders in 19 different statistical categories.

In Saturday's 80-73 win over the Seattle Storm, Buescher scored a career-high 27 points and recorded five steals. Buescher was also the league's most improved player in 2006.