Mushatt returns to court

Senior forward Latreze Mushatt defends his basket during the game against Eastern Illinois on Jan. 17. || File photo
Senior forward Latreze Mushatt defends his basket during the game against Eastern Illinois on Jan. 17. || File photo

When senior forward Latreze Mushatt fell to the ground July 10 during a game of pickup basketball, he knew something was wrong.

“As soon as I hit the ground, you know I yelled a little bit,” Mushatt said. “And then the first thing I said was, ‘I snapped my Achilles.’”

Mushatt’s self-diagnosis was spot-on. The Saginaw, Mich., native suffered a torn Achilles tendon, forcing him into surgery two days later to repair the injury. Doctors told Mushatt the recovery period might cost him his senior season.

“Once (team trainer Eric Frederick) told me what it was I almost cried like a baby,” Mushatt said. “I also told him I’d be back before the season was over with. Nothing else was an option. I was determined to get back out there and I had faith and kept believing.”

As the season began, Mushatt was working hard with team trainers and doctors to successfully rehabilitate the surgically-repaired tendon. Head Coach Steve Prohm hoped the senior could return, perhaps in time for the end of conference or tournament play. Sitting on the bench watching his teammates proved difficult for Mushatt, but he said the support of his team and coaches kept him motivated.

“The rehab was tough at times, but I was so determined that I couldn’t let it set me back,” Mushatt said. “It kind of made me a better person, just being able to watch and see things and understand that basketball is not all I have. It humbled me a lot more. I’m glad I had great teammates and a coaching staff to pick me up through it.”

Much to Racer Nation’s delight, Mushatt progressed through his rehabilitation more quickly than expected. He began practicing with the team in early December, participating in non-contact drills and slowly working his way back into game shape.

Mushatt achieved his goal of getting back on the court Jan. 3 in the Racers’ first conference matchup against UT Martin. Coming in to the game late with a sound Racer lead, Mushatt logged seven minutes without registering any points or rebounds. Since his return, Mushatt has slowly worked his way back into the regular lineup.

His minutes have increased in each of the last four games, culminating Saturday against Austin Peay. Mushatt played 28 minutes, providing a key spark off the bench for the Racers. He logged season highs in both points (14) and rebounds (8) in the Murray State victory.

“I’m feeling good,” Mushatt said. “I’m not close to 100 percent, probably 75, but it’s coming along, and it’s a blessing to be able to be out there with my team helping them out.”

While Saturday was his best game thus far, Mushatt hopes to see his role continue to get better in the final weeks of the season.

“I see my role continuing to expand a lot,” Mushatt said. “I can see me doing multiple things out there. Whatever (Prohm) wants me to do, I’m down to do it. It’s all about the team and I just want to win.”

With just seven regular season games remaining and the team in the thick of the conference championship race, Mushatt’s leadership and experience on the bench could prove invaluable. Regardless of his role going forward, Mushatt assures Races fans of one thing.

“People haven’t seen the best of me yet this season,” Mushatt said. “I’m just working hard and doing whatever it takes to win. That’s all I’m focused on.”

Story by Jonathan Ferris, Staff writer.

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