Gray welcomes 'second chance' to play basketball

Amber Gray's comeback will bring her back to Knoxville in two weeks.

The Tennessee women's basketball player, who underwent brain surgery in July for an aneurysm, said Thursday that she's scheduled to return to town Oct. 16.

"I feel like God has given me a second chance,'' said Gray, who's been recuperating at home in West Chester, Ohio. "I'm ready to get with it."

The 6-foot-1 forward, who also underwent shoulder surgery in July after her freshman season, plans to continue her recovery here with an eye toward re-enrolling at Tennessee in the second semester. Until then, her involvement with the program is subject to approval.

"We don't have the final what we can and cannot do,'' UT coach Pat Summitt said. "That has to come from the SEC and NCAA."

Gray underwent a 12 1/2 hour surgical procedure at the University of Cincinnati's Neuroscience Institute this summer that essentially saved her life. The aneurysm was discovered after complications ensued following shoulder surgery on July 2.

Gray said she will undergo a three-hour test today to check her memory. She has limited recall of her medical ordeal, which actually might be beneficial.

"I remember some things,'' Gray said. "I think in a way it's better that I don't remember everything. Even the doctors are saying it's better I don't remember everything. It wasn't an easy time."

Gray has progressed to the weight room with her lower-body workouts, but she is not able to run yet.

"I still have a little limp going on,'' she said.

Gray has an appointment Oct. 15 with Dr. Mario Zurcarella, who performed the brain surgery, before joining fellow Lady Vol Shekinna Stricklen in the Knoxville apartment they will share.

"She's been down here a couple times for the weekend and I've been like her taxi,'' Stricklen said.

While that's fine, Stricklen prefers being Gray's teammate again.

"I'm so ready for her to get back; she's ready to be back,'' Stricklen said. "We're like the closest two on the team. I really miss her."

Stricklen thinks all of the Lady Vols will benefit from Gray's presence.

"Even though she can't practice with us or go through workouts with us, knowing what she's been through and she's still standing strong - that will motivate us all,'' Stricklen said. "Having her here is going to pick this team up."

The pick-me-up figures to be mutual.

"I can't wait to get back with the team,'' Gray said, "and get back with my friends."

Dan Fleser covers Tennessee Lady Vols basketball. He may be reached at 865-342-6288.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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