Clarity on McGary injury and chances of 2014 Tourney return?

Submitted by Harperbole on

The big win last night has gotten me dreaming about National Title aspirations. Currently constructed it seems like a stretch to imagine them having a realistic shot, but McGary's potential return would change things considerably. So this leaves me wanting to know more about his back injury, the surgery and his outlook for a comeback. Can anyone cite an example of a player with a similar injury coming back and how quickly? EDIT:  After looking into some history of back surgery recovery times, I of course found those of the season ending variety (Dwight Howard, Jared Sullinger) and those calling for 6-8 weeks of recovery (Marvin Williams, Quentin Richardson).  I'm holding out hope McGary's is more the latter, obviously.

Michigania

January 26th, 2014 at 12:33 PM ^

Quite truthfully, and I am shocked by my feeling here, as McGary is by far my favorite player.... BUT it is probably best that he doesn't come back this season for manifold reasons....

first being a rushed return is never good... better to wait a full offseason.

two..... it has forced the team to come together and play like STARS.  i really don't think the players would have blossomed like this, because there would not have been any baptism by consistent fire....

three......if he were to come back, it'd take a ramping up of getting in shape, synchronizing with the fine machine right now...and it'd be at a critical time that could disrupt this HUM right now... I have NEVER seen Michigan play like this...ever.....     I want McGary to sit and then return NEXT season. 

Again, I repeat, McGary is by far, my favorite player.

Wiseguy

January 26th, 2014 at 12:41 PM ^

If McNary comes back this season I feel it would be best for him to come off the bench. We just have too much rhythm right now.

For the sake of his career Mitch needs to go pro if he can after this season. He's already 22 I believe is he not? Correct me if I'm wrong but I know he is older than most sophomores. The selfish fan in me wants him to return for his junior year obviously though.

Mr. Yost

January 26th, 2014 at 12:57 PM ^

Morgan and Horford are two of the most consistent players in the league. They give you what they give you. Having McGary coming off the bench doesn't do anything to that because it eats into their minutes. Everyone else is the same.

It would be different if we were talking about LeVert. Someone who plays 3 positions and would certainly interrupt everything. McGary changes the dynamic of the team, but it's not like he controls the ball or anything. When healthy he's just a better version of the Morgan/Horford combo. It's not like he plays THAT much different than they do...like he shoots a ton of 3s or can't play defense.

He's not coming back and if he did...it would change the team some, but rythym isn't really one of those things. 

He'd have to play his way into shape anyway. Also, isn't he in line for a medical redshirt? It's different basketball vs. football.

If he isn't and he can come back, it would be so late in the year that basically you'd be talking about him trying to provide a spark off the bench in the Final Four or something. It'd be nice to have that option, but that's SOOOO far away that it's really silly for any of us to think about.

Currently constructed, IMO, this is a sweet 16 team. I think we're a low 4-seed or high 5-seed. We'll beat the 4/5 seed in the round of 32, but I think we get knocked out in the Sweet 16 to a 1 seed.

However, and I said this a month ago. I think we WIN the B1G Tournament this year.

Now that's right now, that would be my prediction. Keep this thing going and that'll certainly change.

That said, a month ago when I made this prediction...if you would've told me B1G Tournament Champs, a 4 or 5 seed in the East and a loss to say #1 Syracuse in the Sweet 16, I would've said "very solid year."

Wiseguy

January 26th, 2014 at 1:54 PM ^

I bitch about Morgan but him and Horford together get us double doubles. I like Mitch but people over rate him based off potential and not results. He was a beast in the tourney but he still has a lot to show. I agree with the people that say Trey brought out the best in him.

A medical redshirt for McGary is irrelevant considering he won't even make it to his senior year before going pro.

victors2000

January 26th, 2014 at 1:25 PM ^

From what I read he hasn't even begun rehab; even if he came back in a month he would not be in playing shape and he'd have to work himself back to that to be effective. I am most concerned with his psyche; mentally would he be 100 percent to return or would he be thinking of the back? I'm all for him coming back if it is on schedule and there is no risk of injury and Mitch is mentally ready to come back but if he's not ready in all those aspects perhaps it would be best for the team and himself to sit out this year and prepare for next year.

Section 1

January 26th, 2014 at 7:09 PM ^

He's not coming back. You don't want to rush a back injury.

He's not coming back in 2014, that is.

I was told through a UMMC orthopedic source, who was certainly not authorized to disclose patient information, that the surgery was indeed a partial discectomy (no surprise) and that Mitch was done for the season (also zero surprise to anyone who has been reading Coach Beilein's statements and the MGoBlue.com press releases).

Absolutely everything else with Mitch should be good.

Rodriguesqe

January 26th, 2014 at 12:01 PM ^

i've been wondering if he was able to hone his game at all while injured. i recall his jumper coming together a little during the run. would be great to see him feature additional range. for us or some nba team.

at this point i highly doubt he's coming back. i beleive a big part of his end of year success was due to getting down to a better playing weight. he wasnt very effective when he did play this season (not sure what % the back caused this), but even if he did manage to get cleared to play late in the season i think his weight would likely cause him to not be all that great.

wesq

January 26th, 2014 at 11:57 AM ^

Snyder tweeted last night that it hasn't been ruled out, but he hasn't started his rehab yet and it is simply to early to tell.  Sounds like a long shot, but if there wasn't a chance I think they would say he was done for the year.

mGrowOld

January 26th, 2014 at 11:57 AM ^

Can I ask why the OP being downvoted?  He asked does anybody know of any examples of players returning from this type of injury and how long it generally takes.  That seems like a reasonable question and one that some of our MgoDoctors could respond to cause I sure as hell don't know the answer.

Harperbole

January 26th, 2014 at 12:15 PM ^

However I in no way meant to disrepsect the skill the team has on the court right now. Realistically, in my mind, we need more consistent post play in the event we matchup with a team which excels in that area of the game. Regardless there is certainly plenty to be excited about with this team.

Darker Blue

January 26th, 2014 at 12:24 PM ^

and for this post you get a +1. 

 

I'm just one of those guys that believe this team is better than last years team, even without McGary. I've been awarded the Homer of the year award 6 years straight, so don't pay too much attention to me. 

mackbru

January 26th, 2014 at 1:17 PM ^

The OP was merely stating a prediction, one that hardly seems unreasonable. Neg votes, to most people, are reserved for stupid, offensive, or badly reasoned comments, not ones that simply offer an opinion you don't happen to agree with. You should be encouraging debate and disagreement.

blueblueblue

January 26th, 2014 at 12:08 PM ^

I negged you because you want to argue with people about what is a personal decision - subjective reasons for downvoting. Justt do your own thing (upvote) and let others do theirs (downvote or upvote). 

Thus, I just downvoted the OP because of you. Tha's my personal reason, as unrational as it may be. But its mine, and mine alone. 

Now you can downvote me, for whatever reason - I really dont care. Its up to you. 

Niels

January 26th, 2014 at 12:11 PM ^

It was something I was wondering myself. It sure didn't read like trolling.

As an MD, (though a few years removed from my ortho and neurosurg blocks, so grains of salt, etc.) back injuries were notorious for being unpredictable in terms of prognosis no matter what form of treatment was decided upon (meds, surgery, etc). As such, I figured that given what McGary has at stake in terms of NBA prospects, I can't imagine him rushing back to play. Such "issues" really hurt Sullinger's status a few years ago which I would imagine is on his mind.

schreibee

January 26th, 2014 at 12:23 PM ^

Not only douche-y downvoters, but also a whole bunch of uninformed rapid responders with no more knowledge or insight than the rest of us, jumping in to blurt "He's not coming back" with no elaboration!

Downvote all who respond without adding anything to the OP's query, just posting to post!

beevo

January 26th, 2014 at 12:04 PM ^

Not sure the specifics of his injury; however, as an owner of several ruptured disks I can attest that if he has a nerve/disk related issue he won't be back this year.  Either it is muscular-skeletal or nerve.  Considering he underwent surgery I'm guessing disk related.  If we make it deep into the tourney he has a chance...but then would you alter the chemistry at that point?  I'm also in the minority that believes he will be back next year.

Harperbole

January 26th, 2014 at 12:00 PM ^

I've looked a bit online and haven't been able to get any real details on the back problem or the surgery for that matter. I understand that there is a strong chance he doesn't come back; I was just hoping for some additional information.

Hoek

January 26th, 2014 at 12:02 PM ^

Slim to none, followed by many excuses on how we have been dealing with injuries all year long...oh wait We are Michigan, nevermind!

SF Wolverine

January 26th, 2014 at 12:10 PM ^

and that seems quite likely, this team needs one more big to really develop in order to make a serious run.  Otherwise, I think we will struggle against big, strong teams.  We need an answer when Morford goes out with two early fouls, as happened yesterday.  Our guard trio + Spike looks to be as good as any team in the country, but we will need help down low.  Anyone think Max could realistically be that guy?