The Comeback (Sort Of)

It’s nice to be back on the basketball court with my uniform and my sneakers on for my first game since my major injury. Is it a coincidence that I’m playing on the court (sort of) where I last played tournament basketball 5 years ago?

There are a lot of things that have changed.

5 years ago, I wore my red And1 basketball shoe, my only red shoe at that time. Last night, I wore my second ever red shoe – my Nike Air Zoom Kobe IV.

5 years ago, I wore a thigh sleeve. Last night, I wore metal knee braces on both knees.

5 years ago, I wore a headband to keep sweat off my eyes since I had very short hair. Last night, I wanted to wear a headband to keep my hair off my eyes (but didn’t since my white headband didn’t go with the rest of the uniform).

5 years ago, I’m the scorer type – running fast breaks, hitting open three’s and harassing dribblers. Last night, I was on the post setting screens and just jumping around senselessly. I couldn't shoot anymore and I couldn't even last long on the court with my poor stamina.

5 years ago, well, I was 20 pounds lighter and I wasn’t undergoing rehab then. I’m still in stage 2 of my rehab which means I can have limited lateral movement and I can sprint in bursts. Still a long ways to go but then, it’s a long season.

My stats last night – 10 minutes, 1 assist, 2 fouls and one wild tear drop that barely grazed the rim. We won by 16. My knees were already numb, my foot was giving out, my ankles were screaming and my thigh felt like it was poked with syringes. The pain’s there but I never really felt it and I still had a big smile.

5 years ago, I was alone in these games. I lost games alone. I won games alone. This time, Jaye’s on my side and I almost pity her since she’s cheering for the worst and fattest player on the court. Last night, I've never been so happy playing this game after 5 long years.