Gaston College swingman Carter returns to basketball after a year off to rehab following surgery

As a freshman in the 2023-24 season at Gaston College, Kush Carter was the Rhinos' fifth-leading scorer and a top rebounder and passer.

But as he prepared for his sophomore season last fall under new coach Benny Moss, Carter's knee bothered him enough in early drills that he needed microfracture surgery.

After the Nov. 6, 2024 procedure, Carter spent all of the school year rehabbing in preparation for this season.

"I watched a lot and learned a lot," said Carter, a Charlotte native who played at Olympic High School and Morvaian Prep. "I got to see the game from a different point of view by sitting and watching from the sidelines.
"It was different. But it's all good"

Carter returned to do some drills on the court in March then was cleared to full drills by the summertime.

"I healed up all the way and I healed up like I was supposed to," Carter said. "I listened to the doctors and have come back 100 percent."

This season, the 6-foot-5, 190-pounder is excited about his prospects to help the team improve from last year's 22-8 record that included a school-record 17-game winning streak.

"Not playing last year was tough, but I'm ready to step up and lead by example," said Carter, who averaged 8.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 31 games (21 starts) two years ago.

Carter also get to be re-acquainted with a former teammate whose father was their Charlotte Royals AAU coach. Roderick Howard, whose No. 50 jersey hangs on the wall at Gaston College's home court at Ashbrook High School. And Howard's son Ian is a freshman guard for the Rhinos this season.

"It's been a long time since I've seen him but that chemistry is still there," Carter said of playing again with Ian.