Rucker's team Melrose won and is in the state finals. Rucker broke his ankle in the game. No other word on the seriousness of the break.
901 Prep Scoop
Quote:There is an old saying, don’t judge a book by its cover but in this case, most did as both teams took the floor for warmups. People including myself said, this game is over, Bearden has no lenght but there was a reason they were 32-2 coming in the game. The Bearden Bulldogs out of Knoxville Tennessee jumped out 8-2 as the crowd looked on in disbelief early in the game. Chris Jones coming off a 33 point performance,hit a 3 pointer to pull Melrose to 2, 12-10 to end the first quarter but their was a theme developing. Despite its obvious height advantage, Bearden got offensive rebound after offensive rebound on their way to 11 for the half. Senior Jermaine Holliman who had 12 for the game, scored on consecutive possesisons as Melrose tied it up 14-14. Jones would later go on to pick up his second foul with 4:00 minutes left but that is when Adonis Thomas went to work. He scored 10 straight points with the last being a dunk that made the score 24-23 but another offensive rebound by Bearden tied the score after a free throw by Ty Greene. At the start of the 3rd, a major injury forced Melrose to rethink strategy. Northern Illinois verball commit Nathan Rucker went down hard and awkwardly and in a lot of pain. When he arose to recieve help, he could put no weight on the ankle pretty much making him done for the game and the rest of the tourney later finding out that he broke his ankle. Offensive rebounds were again hurting Melrose and basically kept Bearden around and away from being down double digits. With the score 32-31, Cedric Mcafee scored on a rebound and the basket as Melrose went up 7 for their biggest lead of the game at that point, 38-31. At the start of the 4th, Melrose went up 11 after 4 quick points by Jones to make the score, 44-33 with 7:26 left. Jermaine Holliman hit a 3 to put them up 13 but Jones would pick up his 5th foul with 5:42 left. Junior Ty Greene kept Bearden it it with his shooting and cut it to 6 at one point but Melrose found a way to hang on and reach the state championship game, 69-57.
Chris Jones led all scorers with 22 points follwed by Adonis Thomas with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.
(03-20-2010 10:53 AM)Milhouse Wrote: [ -> ]Not good . . .
It could certainly be worse. Foot and knee injuries can put you out longer. Ankle isn't so bad depending on the break as far as recovery.
Hopefully no serious ligament damage and a speedy recovery to the young man.
Was Rucker planning to red-shirt for 2010? If not, how likely will he be to redshirt now?
Broken ankle s/b okay in -3- months and then rehab. I am NO expert, but would expect him to be playing mid July and really ready in Sept. Anyone with experience w/ a broken ankle? TIA
At least thats plenty of time for him to be ready for next NIU basketball season.
(03-20-2010 06:19 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote: [ -> ] (03-20-2010 06:16 PM)RobertN Wrote: [ -> ]Just something I found w/ a quick web search.
http://www.footcare-central.com/Articles...-ankle.htm
The 6 week recovery mentioned in the article seems a bit fast, but he should be ready to work out for the summer.
It was a bit confusing but from what I gathered from the article is that if it is a clean break it would take 6 weeks not including rehab. Sounds like if surgery is needed it would take longer(also need rehab time after).
Better he gets hurt now than in the fall
(03-20-2010 10:32 PM)rabidawg900 Wrote: [ -> ]Better he gets hurt now than in the fall
except it was the fall that broke his leg.
(03-21-2010 01:49 PM)NIUHuskies09 Wrote: [ -> ] (03-20-2010 10:32 PM)rabidawg900 Wrote: [ -> ]Better he gets hurt now than in the fall
except it was the fall that broke his leg.
Has anyone heard anything from Memphis on this situation? I know its early but we are very concerned. I was searching for info today and nothing yet. Someone said Mr Rucker is on the blog maybe he can give us some insight. One positive note is that I found this mini article. Does anyone have access to the rest of the story?
http://tnvarsity.rivals.com/barrier_noen...&mid=&rid=
FYI, Mike Davis broke his ankle during the offseason last year and had no problems being back well before preseason practice started. Obviously it's not a good thing, but I don't think it's that big of a worry.
Again on the positive side read the article below. It will make us feel a little better. The article is also on the rivals.com pay site. People had been calling me foolish all year on the things I said about him. After seeing him about 6 times I still say he is better than most of our post right now. Im praying we hear good news out of Memphis about healing time. Thanks 7. I had forgot about Mike Davis. T. O Had similar injury and came back strong. He is 17 or 18 so maybe youth will help fast healing.
http://tennesseereview.com/index.php?opt...id=34:demo
I'm sure we all hope it is something that doesn't have any lingering effects. With today's medicinal technology and knowledge and with the modern rehab techniques, athletes come back from more serious injuries all the time. Plus, when he gets on campus this summer, NIU has top training/rehab facilities and a tremendous trainer in Phis Voorhis. I've been very impressed with him and I think we are lucky to have him on staff. He will do what Nate needs to be ready to go next fall.
Thank you all for your concern about the Injury to Nate. The surgery was this am and was a success. The world renown campbell clinic in Memphis has some of the worlds best surgeons. Doc said everything is in place and now time will do its thing. Hopefully by mid summer we will be on the court again.
(03-25-2010 05:35 PM)nrucker Wrote: [ -> ]Thank you all for your concern about the Injury to Nate. The surgery was this am and was a success. The world renown campbell clinic in Memphis has some of the worlds best surgeons. Doc said everything is in place and now time will do its thing. Hopefully by mid summer we will be on the court again.
Hello Mr. Rucker...Thats great news for us!!!! Tell Nate I said hello (even though he does not know me yet) and that I pray for his speedy recovery. We truly look forward to having him come to NIU!!!!
(03-25-2010 05:35 PM)nrucker Wrote: [ -> ]Thank you all for your concern about the Injury to Nate. The surgery was this am and was a success. The world renown campbell clinic in Memphis has some of the worlds best surgeons. Doc said everything is in place and now time will do its thing. Hopefully by mid summer we will be on the court again.
Great news for him. Leg injuries can be frustrating and create stress. I wish him a speedy recovery. From experience, I would recommend getting him in the wight room to work the upper body as much as he can. Otherwise, he will be like a caged up race horse and will get more frustrated. Lifting will work off some frustration and make him feel like he can still progress, despite the leg. Good luck to him!
My guess is therapy will start right away or soon. That activity will be helpful, and probably painful as well. I doubt he will feel caged up - His leg wasn't amputated......... I'd guess he will still be able to get out and do things.