Emeka Okafor, Washington Wizards Centre and University of Connecticut alumnus, is out indefinitely from the team roster after being diagnosed with a herniated C4 cervical disc.
A statement from the 6’10 big man reflected a mood of devastation, noting that his preparation for the new season which opens October 29, 2013 is now futile. “I have worked hard over the summer and was looking forward to the start of training camp next week, so this is a disappointing and frustrating situation for me,” said Okafor. “But I have confidence that my teammates and coaches will be able to continue to take steps towards our goal of making the playoffs and that I will be able to do my part to help them once I return.”
Ernie Grunfeld, Wizards President, made the announcement yesterday while lamenting the loss of the 6’10 big man and 2005 NBA Rookie of the Year. “Emeka’s professionalism and dedication to taking care of his body are among the best I have ever seen during my time in this league as a player, coach and executive and I know that he will be diligent in his efforts to return to the court as soon as possible,” said Grunfeld. “Until then, his absence will create opportunities for other players to step up and provide the rebounding and defense that Emeka normally contributes.”
Okafor will commence rehabilitation, to be assisted by team doctors and specialists, in order to reduce the inflammation to the herniated disc and reverse the injury. Doctors discovered the damaged disc after an MRI when Okafor complained about a discomfort in his neck.
Okafor recorded averages of 9.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in 79 games for the Wizards during the 2012/2013 season. He missed two games due to the flu and the final game of the season due to a sprained right ankle.
The Wizards also lost starting point guard John Wall to a knee injury that kept him sidelined for 33 games last season. Wizards missed the 2012/2013 NBA playoffs – the fifth in a row. The last time the team appeared in a playoff game was in 2008 when it was led by All-Star guard, Gilbert Arenas, but lost 4-2 to the Lebron James led Cleveland Cavaliers.
When legendary singer Mike Ejeagha (Gentleman) wrote, sang, and released “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche,” now popularly known as “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” in 1983, he was using his talent to tell stories that always end with a “moral lesson”. Read more about Entertainment The song was a hit for several years. Thanks … Continue reading The Story in Mike Ejeagha’s “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”
Nigerian sprint queen, Tobi Amusan, has been officially named as the flagbearer of Team Nigeria for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Read more about Sports Nigeria Olympic Committee’s spokesperson, Tony Nezianya, announced in a statement on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, that African badminton king, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, would captain team Nigeria, while … Continue reading Tobi Amusan is Nigeria’s Flagbearer for the 2024 Olympics Opener
Fola David, a Nigerian medical doctor and visual artist has set a new Guinness World Record for the largest drawing by an individual. once again put Nigeria on the global map Read more about Entertainment In a six-day attempt that began on July 16, 2024, at the Onikan Stadium, Fola David set out to draw … Continue reading Fola David Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Drawing by an Individual
When the central referee blew the final whistle in the game between Enugu Rangers and Bendel Insurance at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday, June 16, 2024, fans of the Flying Antelopes cheered in excitement as they knew that they had made history with their support for the players on the field of play. … Continue reading Only Enyimba Has More NPFL Titles Than Enugu Rangers