Chuma Okeke admittedly was ‘very nervous’ for first NBA observe

Practically two years have handed since Chuma Okeke final performed competitively on the court docket however that every one modified on Friday when the previous Auburn Tigers ahead participated in his first observe with the Orlando Magic.

After all, Okeke missed your entire 2019-20 season with the intention to rehab an ACL tear suffered in his left knee in March 2019 in opposition to North Carolina within the NCAA Match. He and the Magic agreed to redshirt final season to recuperate from his harm and never miss a yr of his contract.

Okeke lastly returned to the court docket along with his new teammates because the Magic proceed preparations for the 2020-21 season. Admittedly, he was a bit nervous forward of his first observe, one thing he hasn’t felt since his time in faculty.

“I used to be very nervous, it has been a very long time since I’ve been on the court docket,” Okeke stated on a Zoom name with reporters. “After some time, I acquired it going somewhat bit however these nerves have been nonetheless going all through the entire observe. The following observe, hopefully, I ought to get used to every little thing. The final time I acquired nervous was most likely the primary or second recreation of my sophomore yr in faculty.”

After such an extended layover, Okeke stated he’s nonetheless working to get his conditioning again and his legs underneath him. He even recalled one play throughout observe when Terrence Ross blew proper by him, one thing he wasn’t anticipating.

The Magic have been utilizing Okeke on the 4 on the court docket up to now throughout coaching camp, a place that he stated feels pure to him. He has been touted as a flexible participant on each ends of the ground so he might ultimately see time at different positions, as nicely.

Orlando begins preseason play on Dec. 11 vs. the Atlanta Hawks.

Associated

Record