Watching David Padgett walk on the basketball court in his black suit to the sideline is a difficult scene. He walks slowly, as if trying to mask the pain. Yet he’s among the first off the bench during timeouts, encouraging, clapping, slapping backs. No crutches for him. His personal rehab regime doesn’t allow for them.
Padgett is used to pain, having undergone five operations on his knees in the last three years. Even more painful, he says, is watching the games from the sidelines, his teammates struggling in his absence.
He has made it known to Rick Pitino and the doctors that he wants to return to action. Padgett is coming back, he will be playing with pain, and he will be putting a possible pro basketball future at risk. He wants to complete his senior year at the University of Louisville whether he ever plays basketball again.
Don’t know how effective David Padgett will be as a player when he returns but his example should inspire his teammates. Despite the wobbly start for this basketball team, there remains a great deal of unrealized potential and talent. Up to now, the play has been methodical, almost mechanical, almost as if just going through the motions.
Padgett is willing to risk everything for this team. Look to David, guys, if you need motivation.