University of Arizona junior transfer Luke Recker spoke with the media today about the events that have transpired since the car wreck he was involved in back in July. Meeting with a group of 21 television, print and radio journalists, Recker talked about his adjustment to life at the UA, his rehabilitation process and the accident itself.
Currently undergoing rehabilitation in Tucson for the broken left wrist he sustained in the wreck, he said he believes that he will be able to begin practicing in late December. As a transfer, he has to sit out the 1999-2000 season due to NCAA transfer rules.
Arizona head coach Lute Olson was also present at the press conference, and a selection of his quotes follow's Recker's quotes.
The Wildcats' first day of practice for the 1999-2000 will be on Saturday, Oct. 16 and the annual media day will be Monday, Oct. 18, at noon in McKale Center. Arizona opens the regular season on Tuesday, Nov. 16, hosting Kansas State in the first round of the Preseason NIT. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. and it will be televised on ESPN2.
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Arizona Basketball Press Conference
Luke Recker & Lute Olson Quotes
September 15, 1999
Recker:
On returning to basketball:
Hopefully, I can get back in the gym pretty soon and start doing some
individual work. Mostly just shooting because my hands probably not healed
up enough to work on ball-handling. But, I'd like to get back in the swing
of things because it's been a tough, couple months and not having
basketball has been rough on me.
On adjusting to Tucson:
I've really adjusted well. One thing about basketball that is an
advantage is you meet a lot of the guys through summer camps and through
different organizations. The guys have been great. I'm living with Justin
Wessel and John Ash, they've really showed me around. And like I said,
everyone else on the team has been terrific. I've been very fortunate, I'm
starting to meet more people. The toughest part is everything going on
back home and not being able to play basketball
Being a transfer:
I think I have an advantage in the fact that I've been through college for
two years. Unlike a typical freshmen recruit adjusting to the college
life, I've been through it. I understand what it takes to get grades and
still manage your time to be able to play basketball. I'm fortunate in
that aspect.
Remembering the accident:
I think, without a doubt, it's something that you'll never forget. This
is a life-changing experience and it's definitely changed my views on life
and the perspective I have for it. I think it's something that I need to
go on from here, I need to put things in perspective. I realize what I
want to do, I have my goals and dreams of what I want to accomplish. It's
important for me to try to get back into the swing of things and back into
my daily routine. I'll never forget about and it's always in the back of
my mind. But, it's something you can't dwell on because that's the hand I
was dealt but now I just got to keep moving on and do the best I can to
help out Kelly and her brother in any way.
On anonymity:
It's been a nice change of pace. Obviously, when I played for Indiana
University, we were very recognized and I think as time moves on here will
be the same way, some of the players are very recognized here. But since I
haven't played a game, it's been a nice adjustment because I can just be a
normal student and concentrate on my schoolwork, rehab, and getting better
to where I can play basketball again.
Shooting the Ball:
I can shoot because I'm right-handed. This is kind of just a guide hand.
It's tough when you haven't played for a couple months to go out there and
get your shooting rhythm back. But it will all come back. Josh Pastner
keeps telling me basketball is like riding a bike, once you learn how to do
it, you never forget it. I'm hoping he's right.
Physical therapy:
My wrist mobility hasn't really come back yet. Just simple things like me
touching all the way to the fingers. I can't do yet. It's going to be
tough for it to get back but they're working on that aspect. That's the
main thing right now to get the mobility back to my wrists, where I could
have the movements that I had prior to the injury. Once I get that and it
strengthens and it heals properly, I'll definitely be back to full
strength. I go to my physical therapist three days a week, but she
obviously gives me exercises to do every day to try to strengthen my wrists
and my hand. Hopefully, if I keep doing it properly, maybe we can get this
healed faster.
Length of time:
I'm going back to Indianapolis to see my hand surgeon again so then I'll
have a better idea of how long it's going to be.
Realizing the seriousness of the injury:
I never thought that basketball was over for me. I can't imagine myself
not in the game. I can say that basketball was my priority at that time.
A situation like this really changes your perspective on life. I just feel
fortunate that I'm able to do the things that I'm able to do.
Lute Olson:
On Recker's roommates:
I think the primary thing that we've been concerned about is having Luke
with guys that are familiar with the program here. It's great that he's in
an apartment with John Ash and Justin Wessel because they've been around,
other than Gene (Edgerson), longer than anyone. I think that's been
helpful plus they're the kind of guys that are easy to be around and I'm
sure of them trying to do everything they can with Luke to help him through
the adjustment.
On Recker being unable to workout:
It's hard right now for Luke in that he's not out there with the guys in
pick-up games. We are anxious for the time to come when he's actually
going to be on the floor, playing.
On Recker's leadership qualities:
I think his experience and maturity are very much needed by us on this
team because we are still awfully young. His toughness and
competitiveness, I think will have a tremendous effect once he's able to be
out there.
On weight-lifting:
I did see him when he was working out in the weight room. They've got him
started on some weight work with lower body.
