One of the few returning men’s basketball player’s season has already been cut short by an injury.
Deryl Bagwell, a six-foot sophomore guard, found his season cut short by a foot injury. Doctors said he may be done for the season and may not be returning until next year.
Due to this seriousness of this injury the men’s basketball team is going to miss the defensive presence that Bagwell brings.
From first glance it didn’t look as if the injury was too serious. “At practice it didn’t look bad because he continued to practice,” head coach Tim Mcdonald said.
X-Rays, Cat-scans and MRI’s determined Bagwell’s condition to be much worse than everyone thought. Bagwell was affected but refuses to let that stand in the way of supporting his team and staying on top of his academics. “I get to see from a different point of view now, I get to be the freshmen’s big brother,” Bagwell said.
Mcdonald believes that Bagwell playing for the season would have been a great contribution. “Deryl would’ve been a starter and would’ve given the team its depth on the defensive, as well as the offensive side of things,” Mcdonald said.
The freshmen now have to grow up faster and become sophomores quicker than expected.
Bagwell now can become a student of the game and learn more from the outside looking in. Staying on top of his academics will set a pathway to know that there is much more than just basketball. He can now become a true student–athlete.
Bagwell is still hoping for a speedy recovery and just wants to get back with his team. “I feel helpless, I can’t do anything,” Bagwell sadly said.
There is more than enough time for his return. McDonald knows that this season will not be as easy as previous years and it does not help that one of his best defensive players is down.
He just wants Bagwell to get better to build around the team so that everyone can not only become better players, but a better team.
Bagwell is now able to evaluate himself more as a person, than just a player. He still plans to attend practices and be that anchor for his team. “I’ll just lift and get my upper body strong,” Bagwell jokingly said. Mcdonald gave great advice to Bagwell.
“Deryl just needs to take care of his injury and get better so that he can continue on his game,” Mcdonald said. The team is still young and has more than enough time to grow. However, that may need to be now rather than later.
“I get to be their cheerleader now, I’ll be their biggest fan from the bench,” Bagwell said.
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