Prayers for Grady

[ShoxRoxMySox]

Say what you want about Grady but I guarantee he finishes all those bunnies that BW missed after Fred delivered the ball on a silver platter. I also think Grady finishes that bucket Shaq missed vs Utah after he had a nice steal. Even if he splits more time than before the injury, we'll be better for having his 15-20 mins.

[Kung Wu]

Maybe they aren't a three headed monster? Maybe they are the Mares of Diomedes. We shall see!

[ShockdaWorld]

I'm not saying Anton won't get his minutes, but I'm not sure if he takes minutes from our 3 headed monster. He may take some minutes from that group, but he may also give EW some more rest time and take minutes from Rashard at the 4.

[shockmonster]

Shaq and Bush are playing very nice defense the past two games. Nurger is right behind them but doing better on offense. I think that Grady will cut into some playing time but his defense needs to improve (he is just learning how to play defense by hedging, etc. away from the basket). I think that he may play some 4 too. I think that Gregg is still refining our lineup and may have Markis or Zack play some 4 too because they are shooting it so well. I think that rebounding will be a factor for playing time too. I kind of like Zack playing some stretch 4 because he is beginning to drive the ball. Can you imagine him taking a bigger, slower 4 away from the basket. He can drive or shoot. The only negative thing about this is that in the Valley, 4's are smaller.

[Dave Stalwart]

It's a good situation really. We should be able to ease him back in without needing a ton of minutes at all since the other guys have stepped up. He might be able to come off the bench and play 5-10 minutes a game until everyone feels comfortable and gains confidence. I like the sound of that a lot better than rushing him up to speed and sticking him out there 25 minutes on day one.

[ShockdaWorld]

Grady is not practicing yet according to the day after notes on the Wichita eagle website. Hope him comes back so we can then have a discussion about rather he is a 4 or 5

But when he comes back, it will be too late for the discussion, as HCGM will have already made that decision. It's more fun to guess if you don't already know the answer.

[Jamar Howard 4 President]

I do not know how Marshall will distribute minutes in March, but if this team is fully healthy, they will have some pretty talented cheerleaders in warm-ups sitting on the bench.

[WuDrWu]

I believe we're seeing "our team" on the court right now. Just my opinion.

[shock-it-to-me]

Is the spinal concussion similar to a brain concussion in that once you get one you are more susceptible to another in the future?

[Dave Stalwart]

I think Grady will come back and play limited minutes and ride this team's success to a nice senior season, even if not by his own doing. I don't think we will need him as much as we used to think, but I also think he will see the floor again, if only in mop up minutes. Not because he isn't good enough, but because I don't know if anyone is going to really want him out there for risk of injury.

[pie n eye]

I'd tend to agree with that. I've had my doubts about Grady coming back. If I was his mom I'd tell him to not risk his life.

Actual medical doctors allow football players to return after a spinal concussion (assuming they can pass certain tests). If a player can return to a sport with a high risk for this type of injury then surely it's possible, if not likely, that he returns at some point.

I imagine they're going to be exceedingly cautious with Grady so who knows when he comes back, if he does.

[WSUwatcher]

I'd tend to agree with that. I've had my doubts about Grady coming back. If I was his mom I'd tell him to not risk his life.

That seems more than a little apocalyptic, SE. My impression is that a spinal concussion looks much worse than it really is in terms of lasting impact or danger. Why would you think he's risking his life?

Personally, I think Grady will want to come back, will work hard to do so -- he has a future pro career to think about, too, even if not necessarily in the NBA -- and, assuming the doctors think it's okay, which is my impression so far, will do so and be welcomed back eagerly by the coaches and his teammates. I also expect him to be a meaningful contributor and not just a cheerleader once he returns, and that his fluke injury will never affect his play or activities again once he's back in game shape.

[ShockdaWorld]

I think Grady comes back, but I'm not sure he ever gets back into the starting lineup other than possibly is a very specific match-up situation. This kid's dream is to play in the NCAA tournament. That's why he came to WSU. I hope he able to fulfill that dream, even if it is not to the extent that we had all hoped for from him.

[1972Shocker]

I heard a rumor today that Anton could be available to play as early as this weekend against Seton Hall. This was from a well-connected health care professional. However, he also told me that, like myself, he had never heard of a spinal concussion before which surprised me a little considering his background and experience. In any case, this is just an unsubstantiated rumor this person had heard (no first hand knowledge) and personally I think it sounds way too optimistic. I think Anton will be back but I find it hard to believe it would be as soon as this weekend.

[Stickboy46]

I heard a rumor today that Anton could be available to play as early as this weekend against Seton Hall. This was from a well-connected health care professional. However, he also told me that, like myself, he had never heard of a spinal concussion before which surprised me a little considering his background and experience. In any case, this is just an unsubstantiated rumor this person had heard (no first hand knowledge) and personally I think it sounds way too optimistic. I think Anton will be back but I find it hard to believe it would be as soon as this weekend.

It was just reported yesterday that he isn't even practicing yet, so I would find that very hard to believe