Letter

Author's Note: I am writing this piece as a letter to a player on Kentucky that recently got injured.  I am working on making connections and scoring a 9 in application.

Nerlens Noel,

First of all, thank you for committing to the University of Kentucky. You have the defensive presence of Anthony Davis and an offensive game that is developing quickly. Your ability to alter everyone’s shot benefits every person on your team. Rebounding is a key part of your game, you get the rebound, throw to the outlet, and then we score an easy layup or dunk on the other end. You are truly NBA ready even though I would rather have you stay for next year.

You would be the first overall pick in next year’s draft but unfortunately you are done for this season despite an injury. Since a torn ACL is one of the worst injuries in sports, it takes a while to recover from this injury. It is one of the worst injures for several reasons. One, it hurts more than any other injury. Secondly, the time to recover is six to eight months after surgery. During and after your recovery, you have to regain your muscles and endurance. But at least it was on a hustle play that you tore your ACL. When I was watching it on TV, it looked so bad that it even hurt me. I wish you best of luck for your surgery and recovery.

I can connect to you in many ways, not really the tearing an ACL part, but other ways. I play basketball too but not nearly at the same level as you. I also have the same dream as you, to play in the NBA. Obviously you will make the pros, but me, I don't think I have a chance. Especially since you are predicted to be in the top 3 overall picks in next years draft. 

After looking at roughly five 2013 NBA mock drafts, they project you to now be the 3^rd pick after tearing your ACL, even though it is a terrible injury. It really blows when you drop from the 1^st to 3^rd overall pick, but at least you still achieve your lifelong dream of becoming an NBA basketball player. If you don’t decide to go to the NBA, Kentucky has a pretty good chance of getting deep in the NCAA tournament, even though they aren't a very good team. I really hope you stay in Lexington for another year but I wouldn't argue if you went to the NBA. Best of luck with the surgery and Thank you for the outstanding year with year despite the injury.

Thanks,

                  Kevin Dethloff