LEFTOVERS: Breaking leg, this time in a good way
One week ago, Kevin Ware was probably the last member of Louisville’s basketball team anyone would expect to become a celebrity.
The gritty backup guard is one of the more soft-spoken members of the team, and his contributions on the court this season have been far more workmanlike than his electrifying backcourt mates Peyton Siva and Russ Smith.
Five days and one horrific leg injury in front of the entire nation can change everything.
So there was Ware on Thursday, appearing on the “Late Show with David Letterman” to present the iconic Top 10 List.
And he was good.
The injury left most of his teammates in tears, but he had everyone laughing during his Letterman appearance.
Ware, who is in his hometown of Atlanta with his Louisville teammates as they prepare for today’s national semifinal game against Wichita State, delivered the list of “Thoughts going through Kevin Ware’s mind” after the gruesome injury he suffered during a regional final win over Duke on Sunday.
The Associated Press transcribed the list in a story on Thursday evening.
10. “What was that loud cracking sound?”
9. “I hope this doesn’t leave a bruise.”
8. “Hey look, my tibia!”
7. “Ouch.”
6. “Did it go in?”
5. “Oh boy, hospital food.”
4. “Tape it up, coach, I’m staying in.”
3. “They fired Leno?”
2. “Heat then ice? Or ice then heat?”
1. “At least my bracket’s not busted.”
Great stuff and a tremendous moment for Ware just days after such an awful sight.
We’re going to go out on a limb, however, and guess that before taping the Letterman spot, nobody went through the old showbiz tradition of telling Ware to “break a leg.”
■ SINGLE FOCUS — Michigan forward Mitch McGary wisely gave up one of his off-court hobbies to make sure he doesn’t suffer an injury that could impact his season.
McGary isn’t an avid skydiver or motorcycle rider or anything like that. Not even skateboarding.
No, Mitch McGary, who is 6 feet 10 inches tall and 250 pounds, is a skilled unicyclist.
The unusual hobby has been mentioned several times this season on Michigan broadcasts, but Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo! wrote a lengthy profile about the origin and history of McGary’s habit, complete with photos of the player back in high school in a top hat and tie before a school dance, making goofy faces and riding the contraption.
McGary no doubt takes a lot of ribbing, especially for the pictures that spread on social media, but senior guard Matt Vogrich said the oddity actually makes some sense.
“It’s funny that such a huge dude rides a unicycle, but if anybody would do it, it’s Mitch,” Vogrich said. “That’s his personality. He’s goofy and he’s unbelievably skilled for someone who’s as big as he is.”
His teammates and coaches have said they can’t wait to see him ride one in the offseason, but for now, they hope the freshman’s emergence down the stretch helps carry the Wolverines to a national title.
Michigan fans are just hoping the Syracuse zone doesn’t make their offense look like a circus act today.
COMPILED BY ADAM HILL
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
