She could also use as her fashion influences the people and styles that influenced the 70s. Not that you need more to research.

Does it need to be an injury? People can get cut from the team for failing classes, too, or some other reason that might not be medical in nature. Let me know if you want to go down that road.

One of the best places to learn about these things are from someone who loves the topic. Do you know anyone who really likes basketball? I know who I would ask if I needed some basketball stuff on the side. I always find it easier to do the beginning research with a person who doesn't mind me asking stupid questions.