Negedu
ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands - Emmanuel Negedu's jersey was blue, not orange, and the half-speed drill lasted only 10 minutes.
But there hasn't been a more spiritual moment for the 10th-ranked Tennessee men's basketball team this season than when Negedu returned to the court Saturday for the first time with the scout team at Antilles High School.
"Just to see Emmanuel out there, and that smile of his,'' Tennessee point guard Bobby Maze said, "it just meant everything to me and everybody else.''
The sophomore suffered cardiac arrest in the Neyland-Thompson Sports Complex on Sept. 28 that required defibrillator revival.
The 6-foot-7, 225-pound Nigerian native has since had an ICD device implanted in his heart.
It's very likely Negedu will never play competitively again. But UT associate athletic trainer Chad Newman acknowledged Saturday was another step, psychologically if nothing else, in Negedu's return to a "normal" life.
"He's not cleared to do any real running, but he can help with the passing and plays in our walk-throughs,'' said Newman, who was on the spot to revive Negedu when the incident occurred. "We'll be doing more testing in December, and eventually he will be cleared to do more running and jogging. But it's not like he's going to go back to Knoxville and be a regular practice player.''
Prior to Saturday's workout, Negedu had been reduced to spectator at practices and head cheerleader at the games.
"I finally get to do something!'' Negedu said upon entering the high school gym. "This team is going to by hyped, man! I'm running some scout and getting some shots in, maybe even some dunks!''
Negedu missed the only shot he took during the workout, but he got a hug and shared a mutual smile from captain Tyler Smith after the play, anyway.
"The guys were obviously very happy to have Emmanuel out there with them,'' UT coach Bruce Pearl said, his smile beaming. "It was a walk-through, but bringing him out there really brought us some energy.
"Emmanuel is in all of our hearts this season, and we know he'd give anything to be out there with us every night.''
UT assistant coach Steve Forbes, who recruited Negedu and sat at his bed side through two nights at the hospital after the incident, said Negedu never ceases to amaze him.
"He's one of the best kids, if not the best kid, I have ever recruited,'' Forbes said. "Look at him ... he's the best athlete on the team, and probably on our campus. He could still out-run any of them.
"The hardest thing I've ever had to do as a coach was be in that room when the doctors told him he couldn't play anymore. It was as hard as I've ever cried.''
No doubt, Negedu's unfortunate circumstance is all the more nonsensical when considering his immense physical attributes. Not only does he possess a 40-inch vertical leap, but he also ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash.
But as Forbes and many others close to the UT basketball family can attest, Negedu's gifts go beyond his athleticism.
"He has a lot more to give than basketball, and I think Emmanuel has realized that,'' Forbes said, "That's why he carries on with such an incredible attitude. He's an inspiration for our team every day.''
Negedu unleashed his contagious deep laugh when told how he has inspired UT's basketball community.
"I am glad, but I just like being with my teammates, getting them all hyped up, saying 'let's go, let's make this work every possession and treat it like the last play of the game,' '' he said. "I still feel like playing, but I know everything happens for a reason.
"It is all good, man.''
© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 17
Agent_Orange writes:
Emmanuel may just be the most inspiring Vol athlete since Chris Lofton.
All_Vol writes:
This is great to hear. Go E!
vol75 writes:
This reminds us all that basketball is five guys trying to throw a ball through an iron hoop. Emmanual Negedu exemplifies a man with strength of character. That God has given him a second chance at life is a gift beyond winning championships. He understands the true measure of his impact on others. Thanks for this uplifting story.
IwillalwaysbeaVOLunteer writes:
I have seen FSS but it might show on 648 on DIRECTV. Channel guide is not showing the game but hopefully it will be on 648.
VolPowers writes:
What has happened to the E Man is one of those situations where I cannot explain God's plan, which means that God has more than any of us could ever imagine planned for the E Man! Emmanuel, you are a Vol until the end of the time, and we will never forget that.
Orangeblood13 writes:
shame, just a damn shame
we3vols#281863 writes:
Game is on Fox College Sports. In Chattanooga (comcast cable) channel 725 (must have sports package). In chattanooga it is only $5 per month. Usually runs about $5.95 per month. Hope this will help. On your channel guide it is listed as FCSP. Go Vols!
vol_4_fan writes:
Only a person with E's character would GOD put in a position to show us all how to handle what we are dealt. GOD BLESS YOU!!
GhostofRobertNeyland writes:
What about DISH Network? Can't find it listed anywhere.
10cvolnga writes:
Thanks for sharing this story. Very inspirational! Emmanuel has a much different perspective on life that most of us can't fully understand or appreciate. Best wishes for your continued progress.
Ringside writes:
Best wishes young man. Take care of yourself!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
No telling what a blessing it will be for all these guys to have known someone like the E-man. His life story and unconquerable spirit cause everyone to reflect on what is really important in life.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I was feeling pretty good about having simple ol' digital cable after hearing all you satellite guys gripe about not being able to find the UT game. That was before I discovered just a minute ago that Fox Sports South, which is where the game is SUPPOSED to be here in the Greensboro, NC area, is carrying the beyond-sorry-and-ridiculous Charlotte BOBCATS game at 5:00. Who plays pro basketball--if that term even applies to the Bobcats--at 5:00 PM? Who even cares about watching the Bobcats at ANY time? Not even people in Charlotte, I can tell you! Guess I'll be listening on the net instead. And no, I will NOT be paying $8 to watch it online. Sheesh!
allvol32 writes:
To Emmanuel Negedu, you are an inspiration to us all! All the best to you and your family. We're glad that you're a part of the UT family.
Bigger_Al writes:
God bless you, Emmanuel!
dwolfcreek#397971 writes:
Emmanuel , you are the man .
Plasticman writes:
I love this guy. He is a true inspiration to anyone that reads this story. God does work miracles and just maybe he will in Emanuel's case. If not, it sounds like Emanuel will accept whatever God decides He wants him to do with his life.
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