ESP – Garba in recovery mode, hopeful for future

MADRID (Olympics) - Spain power forward Jorge Garbajosa is finally able to see some “light at the end of the tunnel” after undergoing an operation in December on his fibula and ankle.

Garbajosa, who is unlikely to play for the Toronto Raptors again this season and is also a huge doubt for Spain at the Olympics, gave an update on his condition in the El Pais newspaper.

"This week, I will be off my crutches and I'm delighted,” he said.

“Two and a half months ago, I had the operation and fortunately, the doctors have told me that I'm recovering well.”

Though still a long way away from rejoining his teammates in practice, one good thing for Garbajosa is that he has been able to practice his free throws.

"Right now, I am only allowed to take free throws,” he said, “and many injured players return to play as better free-throw shooters.

"You have more time to be able to do wrist and concentration exercises.

“Right now, I'm shooting 200 free throws per day. It's not much, but considering my circumstances, it's a blessing to be able to enjoy the feeling of being able to shoot some balls.”

Nothing is more frustrating for a basketball player than to be away from his teammates, and the competition.

Garbajosa is no different.

"What I miss most about being injured is being in the team,” he said.

“What the body wants is to compete and it's seems silly but I miss the feeling you get when you play a hard game, to face a rival and to finish tired.

“Most of all, I miss the feelings you get before and after a game, more than during the game.

"The worst is over for me. I am further and further away from that pain that I had in the time after the operation.

“Everything had to return to its place and that process back then was painful. Now I see the light at the end of the tunnel."

FIBA