Prayers for Grady

[ShockTalk]

Yup:

* Vacated due to would have lost by 20 to UNLV 90-91.

Heck, this is by Duke: ** Vacated due to should not have beaten UNLV 90-91.

[WSUwatcher]

So, for those of you who listened to the Katz podcast -- if Anton isn't "the same mentally," does that mean he doesn't have his full cognitive function back, or that he still reflexively shies away from contact, something different, or some combination of the above?

[Stickboy46]

So, for those of you who listened to the Katz podcast -- if Anton isn't "the same mentally," does that mean he doesn't have his full cognitive function back, or that he still reflexively shies away from contact, something different, or some combination of the above?

I took it as He is scared of contact. Not that he has diminished mental capacity, but that it will take him a little bit to get over the fear of the injury.

[Shocker-maniac]

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.

I heard the earliest it would be is after Christmas. Based on the interview Gregg did on the ESPN podcast today I would guess it will be a few weeks after Christmas.

[Stickboy46]

I heard the earliest it would be is after Christmas. Based on the interview Gregg did on the ESPN podcast today I would guess it will be a few weeks after Christmas.

I really don't think there should be a rush anyways. At this point, the next really solid big man we face is Big E from Evansville. That game will be Jan 6th in Wichita or Jan 31st @Evansville. After seeing the games against 2 possible NBA Lottery pick 7 footers, I'm confident enough in our 3 big men we have to contain him in Wichita. So give Anton all the time he needs. Let him make it through protocol, then give him several weeks of practicing to increase intensity so he can gain some confidence back.

[Kung Wu]

He may end up being Maverick after Goose dies, and not willing to engage. We shall see.

[Dave Stalwart]

If he's nervous about contact, that makes sense. That's why I think we'll see him again, but he will be limited to mop up minutes for a month while he gets comfortable again (if at all). You can shy away from contact all you want when we are up 20 with 5 minutes to go. He can still be a part of the team like he wanted, but he doesn't need to be relied on. Just jog up and down the court and run the offense when we clear the bench and enjoy yourself with what little career you have left.

Do that till February, and if he wants more, he can have more. If he will never be the same, that's okay, but that doesn't mean he can't go out there and cruise a little bit and enjoy being on a great team. I'd hate to see him hang it up altogether unless he really does have physical issues that cause him to not get cleared.

[Kung Wu]

If he's nervous about contact, that makes sense. That's why I think we'll see him again, but he will be limited to mop up minutes for a month while he gets comfortable again (if at all). You can shy away from contact all you want when we are up 20 with 5 minutes to go. He can still be a part of the team like he wanted, but he doesn't need to be relied on. Just jog up and down the court and run the offense when we clear the bench and enjoy yourself with what little career you have left.

Do that till February, and if he wants more, he can have more. If he will never be the same, that's okay, but that doesn't mean he can't go out there and cruise a little bit and enjoy being on a great team. I'd hate to see him hang it up altogether unless he really does have physical issues that cause him to not get cleared.

Yes, if he's healthy (no or very limited reduction in spinal canal diameter), then he needs to finish it out with his boots laced (even if only in mop up minutes). He's gonna have some serious stories to tell his grandchildren when this season is over -- and it'll be so much sweeter for him if he's able to do it with his boots laced (but either way he has already contributed).

[Dave Stalwart]

Yes, if he's healthy (no or very limited reduction in spinal canal diameter), then he needs to finish it out with his boots laced (even if only in mop up minutes). He's gonna have some serious stories to tell his grandchildren when this season is over -- and it'll be so much sweeter for him if he's able to do it with his boots laced (but either way he has already contributed).

This is exactly what I'm thinking. I still think this team is going to contend for a title or make a nice run in the post season. If it's possible, being a part of it would be much more satisfying to look back on for him. I'm not that concerned about whether or not he contributes a lot, but just having him back makes this season even more special. If you really want a sentimental moment, think about if he gets shut down for the year medically, and then we start him for one possession on senior night. Or sub him in at the end of the game for one possession prior to clearing the bench so he can exit with the seniors.

[WSUwatcher]

Once he's medically cleared and ready to start full practices, that should clear up any concern about contact pretty quickly. From all reports, Hamilton will see to that.

Just curious -- is there some sort of neck brace or protection he can wear that works with a basketball uniform and provides support, maybe as much psychological as physical, without limiting his mobility?

[Kung Wu]

Once he's medically cleared and ready to start full practices, that should clear up any concern about contact pretty quickly. From all reports, Hamilton will see to that.

Just curious -- is there some sort of neck brace or protection he can wear that works with a basketball uniform and provides support, maybe as much psychological as physical, without limiting his mobility?

I've never seen one, but honestly if I was his coach and his neck isn't "safe" without a support, then he ain't steppin' on the court or even practicing with my squad.

[1972Shocker]

Just curious -- is there some sort of neck brace he can wear that works with a basketball uniform and provides support, maybe as much psychological as physical, without limiting his mobility?

It's been tried but did not seem to help:

[Kel Varnsen]

I don't know much about spinal concussions, admittedly, but is there a possibility of further injury (any more than before)?

[Stickboy46]

I've never seen one, but honestly if I was his coach and his neck isn't "safe" without a support, then he ain't steppin' on the court or even practicing with my squad.

Agreed, This isn't something to play lightly with. The only way he steps on the floor is with a full clearance from at least one doctor, if not two. His next 60 years are more important than this one.

[1972Shocker]

I don't know much about spinal concussions, admittedly, but is there a possibility of further injury (any more than before)?

No expert but from what I can gather a lot will depend on what the anatomy of his spine shows. If he has a medically significant narrowing of the spinal canal then yes he is at an elevated risk of further injury. I am assuming if that is not the case then he probably will be allowed to make a comeback in time. I am also assuming they have already made a medical evaluation on that but I don't know that for sure. Looking forward to hearing what 3G has to say on his radio show tonight if the subject comes up.