Getting a world-class athlete to open up about their attempt to make it back after a serious injury can be challenging. Then there is Indiana Fever point guard Briann January, who is more than happy to tell you she is feeling great and ready to resume her role as the team floor general in the Fever’s quest for the franchise’s first WNBA title.
“I am 100 percent healthy and feel great,” said January.
January’s exploits on the court to date in the preseason would support that as she has shown virtually the same quickness that is a trademark of her game, reminding those who closely follow the Fever of the stellar play she was demonstrating in leading the Fever to a 7-3 start before suffering a complete tear of the Anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee on June 28 of last year.
While her surgery was deemed successful and her rehabilitation went smoothly, there still was the test that can only occur through competitive play, and so far that hurdle has been cleared in a banner way.
January said she hasn’t experienced any discomfort or swelling since training camp began and sees this as a huge step in the right direction. Her play in the preseason has certainly been more than respectable and she relishes the challenges that loom just around the corner with the start of the regular season.
“I cannot worry about the physical aspect of the game, as it would slow me down and that really is not my style,” said the fourth year pro. “I feel great and expect to pick up where I left off last year and play even better.”
Fever Head Coach Lin Dunn echoed those sentiments as she emphasized January’s importance to the team.
“Her quickness allows us to do so much and we are pleased to say the least that she is back,” she said.
While January is arguably as upbeat as any professional athlete, she recognizes the complete recovery period for such injuries can be up to a year and in some cases beyond that.
However, she does not gauge her recovery on a calendar as much as she does how her knee feels and what she has been able to accomplish since being cleared to play again.
“I will not allow the psychological aspect of the injury to slow me down,” she said. “That’s just not going to occur.”
While that certainly is great news for Fever fans it also seems to be indicative of January and her positive outlook on life, just the game of basketball.
If you listen to January, her injury is behind her as she eyes the season opening game Saturday, May 19 against the Atlanta Dream at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. As a matter of fact, she seems more than ready and that could be bad news for Fever opponents.
Danny Bridges can be reached at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
Danny Bridges is an award-winning journalist and a longtime sports columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder. He covers college, professional sports and especially all things IndyCar racing. He can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
