Back on the Court

By Adonal Foyle, with Chris Navalta

February 2004

[Navalta] On Jan. 15, a sellout crowd at the Oakland Arena was on hand to get their first glimpse of LeBron James and the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers. But as far as Adonal Foyle was concerned, the night belonged to him.

After missing 25 games this season, Foyle returned to the Golden State Warriors. And this time, it wasn't wearing street clothes. Missing the first two-and-a-half months due to intense rehabilitation, Foyle played four minutes in his first game back against the Cavs. He grabbed three rebounds and blocked a shot in the Warriors' win. And for Foyle, it's been a long trip back to recovery.

[Foyle]The one thing that happened was that coach [Eric Musselman] didn't give me any kind of warning. They called me in the middle of the day and asked me how I would feel about being activated off the injured list and just suiting up for the game. Coach was straight with me and told me he didn't know if he was going to be able to put me in. But the Warriors needed another person in their roster because they put Nick Van Exel on the injured list. And I said I'd do anything for the team. That was around 3 p.m.

[Navalta]When Foyle arrived at the Oakland Arena at 6 p.m., he got down to business – he shot around with his teammates, suited up and got ready for the game.

For Adonal, the feeling of being in uniform was great enough. But when he got the call from Musselman to take the floor, he was completely caught off-guard.

[Adonal] I wasn't really expecting to play. I just thought I was going to suit up and look nice on the bench. All of a sudden, he says “Adonal!” and I said “Holy Cow!” You know how it goes when you play this game. Just go in and have fun with it. I wasn't in full playing shape. But I was able to go in and hit some people. I felt good. I was just trying to get rebounds, run up and down the floor and try to guard somebody.

[Navalta] “There has been an Adonal Foyle sighting,” said Warriors radio play-by-plan man Tom Roye.

And just as Foyle was announced by the PA Announcer, loyal Warriors fans greeted him with open arms with a standing ovation.

[Adonal] Hearing the fans scream for me when I went in was so awesome. For a while after all that hard work (rehabilitating), all I could see myself doing was doing squats. Now, I don't have to do that anymore. It's basketball time. It was a totally awesome situation.”

[Navalta] Adonal was barely able to break a sweat during those four minutes. But he was able to run up and down the floor enough to test his surgically-repaired knee. And after the game, he said he came away with no problems.

[Adonal] The knee felt great after the game. That was what was cool about it. I was thinking, “Leave me in. I could probably do another 20 minutes.” It was just good to be out there. It felt great.

[Navalta] Adonal played his first game in the second game of the season against Philadelphia. He was limited to three minutes and opted to have surgery to remove debris out of his left knee. In June, he had had surgery on the same knee after hurting it during a pick-up game.

Since that game against the 76ers, Foyle has resorted to being a cheerleader on the bench. At the same time, he's had to spend countless hours in rehab. Although he felt frustrated about not being able to contribute, Foyle remained patient and was able to return when he knew he'd be healthy enough to help his team.

[Adonal] I was trying not to run out of suits in my closet! As an athlete, when you know you can do something to help the team, to be on the sidelines and not be able to do anything, you feel so helpless. That's really one of the worst situations for a professional athlete or anybody to be in. I hated it. I want to play, I want to run up and down. I haven't played this game very long. So, for me, it's always about getting some time on the floor, getting better, getting better and getting better.

[Navalta] So far, Adonal has played nine games, averaging eight minutes. But as determined as he is, you know those numbers should change drastically before the season ends.

[Adonal] I just feel like this is a sign of good things to come. It just feels wonderful that I'm back and I'm playing again.

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