ER, the diagnosis & why we play

Got wheeled out of the dome and driven to Wakefield ER. X Rays confirmed a Patella Tendon Rupture with Avulsion fracture. Basically the Tendon has torn off the kneecap taking a bit of bone with it. Here's a link
http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/patellar_tendon_avulsion

I've had Patella Tendonitis for over 10 years a result of a lot of basketball, nearly 3 years ago I had surgery called a Patella Tendon Debridement where they removed dead tendon. It allowed me to play the last few years with only minor pain. Pre surgery I was in serious pain during games and for a full 2 days after games in 2009/10. I was very happy to be able to return to District Reserves Bball and to play the last 2 years with the Old Reds

Unfortunately the chronic long term Tendonitis and surgery directly led to my latest injury and me writing this blog. 

Palky and Megan visit me at home post ER ... I love hoops for so many reasons but mainly cause it uncovers some wonderful people. The Palks, Ben especially ... are the reason I love the game ... them visiting me for a sneaky beer was the best assist I can ever remember from Palk ... off the court he is like John Stockton with a slightly worse haircut.

Does that make Megan the Mailman?

The Crows nearly delivered - Palk Unhappy

Where: Melbourne 2012 ... Crows v Hawks Prelim Final - one of the greatest games of footy I've ever seen an oooohhhh Zinger of a game. Road trip with Georgie and the Palks ... we dont agree on music or which AFL team to support but we do agree on beer, easy going women and that Melbourne people like strange accessories and no socks.

01 June 2013 AB - Adelaide Arena

Roy Hibbert aka Father Time

When: 01 June 2013 AB the first day of my long cold basketball winter ... for the last 4 months I have really been battling to stay on the court, even more than usual ... was my body telling me something? Achilles tendinitis, left ankle impingement, an MRI, cortisone shot countless physio visits, right plantar fasciitis ... but I fought to hang onto the game I love.

Planting my foot in warmups for one last dunk ... Father Time made a big stop to keep his Harlem Globetrotters like winning streak intact. Lying on the court looking for my missing knee cap I was already reflecting on the journey ..... for the next few months I think I will keep some notes ...

Good Elevation on the jumper for the Reds

Where: Adelaide Arena ... scene of many memorable moments ... Sixers titles, my only ever 10 point ABL game (I banked a fallaway 3 on the buzzer in a 40+ point loss)

Won the 1992 Open State High School title with Wirreanda High (the final was a warmup match for the 36ers in the brand new Clipsal Powerhouse - definitely a career highlight at the time). Weeks later we came 3rd in the National Titles on the same court - we were the only team to beat the eventual champions Marist College (ACT) but lost to power team Willetton High (WA) which like Wirreanda offered Basketball as an elective subject. The week long National tournament was an amazing experience

Lost the 1993 Open State High School title this time with Unley High ... me and my brother Andy (a much better player than I) transferred there, joining a team of young guns Shane Ahmatt, Justin Clayton, Josh Slaytor etc guys who all went on to solid ABL careers 

We lost to my old school Wirreanda in the round robin (I was out with a torn hip flexor) but I remember beating Brighton High going head to head with Jason Williams - we both scored in the mid 20s and yes I used to be a scorer back then  ... things do change.