Ray Smith is an exceptional human being: a Tribute

[HiCat]

Good news

By Ryan Kelapire @RKelapireUA on Aug 15, 2016, 12:59p


Jon Rothstein Verified account
‏@JonRothstein

Arizona's Ray Smith (knee) will be cleared for everything except contact when he returns to school on 8/21, Sean Miller told @CBSSports.



Ray Smith is about to hit another milestone in his recovery from a torn ACL.

Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller told Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports that Smith will be cleared for 'everything except contact' when he gets back to school on August 21.


"Ray is a terrific athlete who can really get up and down the floor," Miller said in a statement on National Signing Day in 2014. "He has the size you want as a small forward, and he can really pass, shoot and dribble. He’s a very skilled basketball player with great size."


http://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball ... pt-contact" target="_blank

[Spaceman Spiff]

RIP.

[Chicat]

That's going to put a serious crimp in his love life.

[Spaceman Spiff]

That's going to put a serious crimp in his love life.

I disagree. Miller specifically said that he has the size you want.

[cpt]

That's going to put a serious crimp in his love life.

I disagree. Miller specifically said that he has the size you want.

Size does matter but stamina and technique might be more important. Time will tell.

[Spaceman Spiff]

That's going to put a serious crimp in his love life.

I disagree. Miller specifically said that he has the size you want.

Size does matter but stamina and technique might be more important. Time will tell.

He does appear to have added some girth during the year off too, which seems like a positive thing, especially when operating inside.

[Olsondogg]

Contact was a shitty movie anyway.

[gumby]

I've got a lump in my throat about the note you wrote
I'd come on over but I haven't got a raincoat

Have we got contact
You and me?
Have we got touchdown
Can we be?

Oops, wrong sport.

[rgdeuce]

That's going to put a serious crimp in his love life.

I disagree. Miller specifically said that he has the size you want.

Size does matter but stamina and technique might be more important. Time will tell.

He does appear to have added some girth during the year off too, which seems like a positive thing, especially when operating inside.

With added girth, a good, extended warmup period is needed to avoid any tearing. He needs to take his time before he starts showing off his explosiveness. And hopefully will wear a proper fitting sleeve, just to be safe.

[CalStateTempe]

He likely needs hyperbarics after every practice given how critical his situation was earlier in the year.

Knock knock knocking on heavens door...

[azcat49]

That's going to put a serious crimp in his love life.

Perfect Fit. At least that is what she said

[Spaceman Spiff]

That's going to put a serious crimp in his love life.

I disagree. Miller specifically said that he has the size you want.

Size does matter but stamina and technique might be more important. Time will tell.

He does appear to have added some girth during the year off too, which seems like a positive thing, especially when operating inside.

With added girth, a good, extended warmup period is needed to avoid any tearing. He needs to take his time before he starts showing off his explosiveness. And hopefully will wear a proper fitting sleeve, just to be safe.

Some of that depends on how aggressively he goes to the hole, at least initially.

He should definitely add to our spurtability when he finds his rhythym.

[rgdeuce]

He hasn't seen any real action for quite some time, so he will probably be told multiple times to slow down. Might be best suited to hang out down low and get more comfortable being closer to the hole. With time, he can then drift away from that spot, then pump or jab to create a better lane before a monster finish.

[Puerco]

RIP

[Alieberman]

RIP

He's been dead for about a year now.... It's time to move on

[ASUHATER!]

will be interesting to see how he plays real basketball after not really playing since when? high school in march 2014?

[ChooChooCat]

will be interesting to see how he plays real basketball after not really playing since when? high school in march 2014?

I mean he is dead after all, so I'd be surprised if he can play basketball at all. Zombies aren't very coordinated.

[CalStateTempe]

I heard it's really difficult for zombies to play basketball, trying to eat brains and such.

We're fuct'd...

[CalStateTempe]

I am really curious to see how zombie Ray with the ginormous wang is going to get through the dunk contest at the red blue game.

[rgdeuce]

Mormon missionaries spend two years away from their sports and many return fine. Obviously there is rust, but they aren't lifting, swing bats, shooting any jumpers, etc. Ray has been shooting. Rays also 6'9 and a more gifted athlete than some of the missionaries I knew. He can still contribute in ways that where rust isn't a huge deal. I think the biggest thing is going to be staying healthy and fighting the propensity to be timid coming off of those injuries.

[ASUHATER!]

most missionaries aren't recovering from back2back knee blowouts either.

[ChooChooCat]

most missionaries aren't recovering from back2back knee blowouts either.

We already agreed he's dead. I don't see what's the point of posting on this topic anymore? RIP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcZzlPGnKdU" target="_blank

[ASUHATER!]

well he's only dead to you guys apparently. seems alive to me.

[ChooChooCat]

well he's only dead to you guys apparently. seems alive to me.

https://youtu.be/TbXFyNv7c-8?t=13s" target="_blank

[CalStateTempe]

Weekend at Bernies 3, Zombie Ray and the Wildcats.

[rgdeuce]

most missionaries aren't recovering from back2back knee blowouts either.

Not gonna find too many white boys who are 6'8", out of shape and rusty from not partaking in any basketball activities, who are going to be more athletic than a Ray Smith type, injuries considered. Most white boys play like they have had multiple knee surgeries, so...

I was watching him shoot and shoot well in February, 6 months ago. Plenty of ball-handling drills you can do in a cast, boot, or with a ball and chain tied around your ankle. I already mentioned lifting, being on a special diet plan, watching film, actually being around major conference basketball on the sidelines while your team plays.. Lot of advantages over them, outside of the knee concerns, which I stated at the end

[Merkin]

Mormons aren't allowed to exercise their penis while on missions.

I am really curious to see how zombie Ray with the ginormous wang is going to get through the dunk contest at the red blue game.

Ray jumps so high he will doing this on the rim.

[rgdeuce]

they still do though, they just lie about it.

[CalStateTempe]

If you want to go to bed without shedding more tears over tonights game, don't look at his twitter. No new posts today, but he was just brimming with excitement to get going with playing again from his recent posts.

[Irish27]

[Beachcat97]

Jesus. What a terribly sad turn of events for Ray.

[Irish27]

[Irish27]

[rgdeuce]

Kid has a great head on his shoulders which makes this even more depressing. Heart goes out to the kid

[cats101]

Ughhhhhhh

[Bangkok Wildcat]

Kid has a great head on his shoulders which makes this even more depressing. Heart goes out to the kid

Exactly, agree 100%....saw his tweets and was so impressed. Maybe I'm being too pessimistic, but recent events have made me feel like his bball days are probably over. Just hope he's able to get a great education and can stick with the program in some capacity.

What a frickin' shame.....How did we piss off the Basketball Gods? F me....

[Catstatic]

Kid has a great head on his shoulders which makes this even more depressing. Heart goes out to the kid

Yes and no. If I remember correctly, he never had any injury issues until his knee went his senior year. Then the other last year. Now this. Simply astonishing and very disheartening.

On the other hand, the way this young man has handled it is simply incredible! His perspective should inspire us all. He will obviously have some very rough days to come, but his attitude gives me hope. His character is as impressive as any I have witnessed wearing a U of A uniform. Regardless of what happens with his playing future this young man has the character and attitude to make a massive difference in the world, perhaps in the lives of young people as a coach or a teacher. It has been said that tough times do not create character but reveal it. Ray Smith is immensely impressive to me.

But you're right. After seeing him stay on the floor last night, I had to stop watching the game. Incredibly sad and then incredibly impressive reading what he sent out after the game.

Go Cats!!

[HiCat]

Kid has a great head on his shoulders which makes this even more depressing. Heart goes out to the kid

Yes and no. If I remember correctly, he never had any injury issues until his knee went his senior year. Then the other last year. Now this. Simply astonishing and very disheartening.

On the other hand, the way this young man has handled it is simply incredible! His perspective should inspire us all. He will obviously have some very rough days to come, but his attitude gives me hope. His character is as impressive as any I have witnessed wearing a U of A uniform. Regardless of what happens with his playing future this young man has the character and attitude to make a massive difference in the world, perhaps in the lives of young people as a coach or a teacher. It has been said that tough times do not create character but reveal it. Ray Smith is immensely impressive to me.

But you're right. After seeing him stay on the floor last night, I had to stop watching the game. Incredibly sad and then incredibly impressive reading what he sent out after the game.

Go Cats!!

Cool post..

I like your thoughts in para 2 especially. Insight re: the young man's character
tells us who he is and becoming. He sure has my respect and best wishes going forward. Hats off kid, you done good. Keep going forward. (very sorry for your loss).

[Longhorned]

Kid has a great head on his shoulders which makes this even more depressing. Heart goes out to the kid

Yes and no. If I remember correctly, he never had any injury issues until his knee went his senior year. Then the other last year. Now this. Simply astonishing and very disheartening.

On the other hand, the way this young man has handled it is simply incredible! His perspective should inspire us all. He will obviously have some very rough days to come, but his attitude gives me hope. His character is as impressive as any I have witnessed wearing a U of A uniform. Regardless of what happens with his playing future this young man has the character and attitude to make a massive difference in the world, perhaps in the lives of young people as a coach or a teacher. It has been said that tough times do not create character but reveal it. Ray Smith is immensely impressive to me.

But you're right. After seeing him stay on the floor last night, I had to stop watching the game. Incredibly sad and then incredibly impressive reading what he sent out after the game.

Go Cats!!

Cool post..

I like your thoughts in para 2 especially. Insight re: the young man's character
tells us who he is and becoming. He sure has my respect and best wishes going forward. Hats off kid, you done good. Keep going forward. (very sorry for your loss).

I agree. Spot on. When you watch an interview with Smith, it's clear he's going to be very, very successful. My job involves working with college people his age, and he's light years ahead of everyone in terms of being a fully-actuated, extremely good-natured, and very smart (not to mention hilarious) young man.

[Chicat]

My heart is just broken for the kid.

[Spaceman Spiff]

This is really just awful. He's dealt with extreme hardship in such a positive way, and just keeps getting more piled on. Poor kid.

[Merkin]

Feel sick for him.

Time to consider whether you want to walk at 45 or not.

[rgdeuce]

Kid has a great head on his shoulders which makes this even more depressing. Heart goes out to the kid

Yes and no. If I remember correctly, he never had any injury issues until his knee went his senior year. Then the other last year. Now this. Simply astonishing and very disheartening.

On the other hand, the way this young man has handled it is simply incredible! His perspective should inspire us all. He will obviously have some very rough days to come, but his attitude gives me hope. His character is as impressive as any I have witnessed wearing a U of A uniform. Regardless of what happens with his playing future this young man has the character and attitude to make a massive difference in the world, perhaps in the lives of young people as a coach or a teacher. It has been said that tough times do not create character but reveal it. Ray Smith is immensely impressive to me.

Go Cats!!

That's what I am saying. 99.9% of the world is not going to see it like he is, myself included. We would all be depressed, feeling like the victim and unable to see the big picture. And obviously no fault to the 99.9%, because that is understandable. Add to the fact that Ray was an NBA player whose childhood dreams were just within his grasp. This is a special kid who is going to change the lives of countless others, even if it isn't on a basketball court. I mean, at this point, say his career is indeed over - I would fully understand and support the school honoring his scholarship for his junior and senior years so this young man can get the free education he deserves. I want him around the team too, if that is something he can handle and wants to do.

I'm trying to recall how many former teammates whose careers ended because of torn rotator cuffs, labrums, acl/mcls. Had to have been 6 or 7, not including my own, and a few were guys with legitimate shots to get drafted. Never, ever felt like this for any of them and a few were good friends, and obviously I had a connection with the rest on a personal level. That speaks volumes of Ray.

[Merkin]

I would fully understand and support the school honoring his scholarship for his junior and senior years so this young man can get the free education he deserves.

Without a doubt the UA will. As with the football players who medically retired, they get to keep their scholarship, it just gets converted to an academic one and won't count against the scholie limit.

[rgdeuce]

Good to hear.

[azcat49]

Just flat out sick about this. The kid deserved so much more. I literally turned the game off I was so upset.

Can he come back? I have read he is done but not sure if that means with this year or his career? Ray, we are all wishing you all the best and you are a wildcat for life. Hang with Coach and become a great teacher of kids

[rgdeuce]

The mental drain of going through a potential third surgery AND rehabilitation; the mental drain of "not again" and the feeling of having your childhood dream pulled from you (even if he has handled it exceptionally, he still is going to feel that somewhat); the perceived lack of confidence in his body after three major knee injuries.. All that is mental and doesn't even include the questions of durability and his long-term goals (if he wants to be able to walk at age 45, as noted above). Doesn't look good, but again, if he wants it, he certainly is the guy who can do it.

[Beachcat97]

Who was the guy on Purdue a few years back? Hummel, I think? He had multiple similar injuries and kept trying to get back on the court. Can't remember what eventually happened with him, whether he fully recovered.

[Gilbertcat]

It has to be terrible. But he tweeted out how a friend was killed earlier so it sounds like he has focus on whats important. Best wishes

[Merkin]

Who was the guy on Purdue a few years back? Hummel, I think? He had multiple similar injuries and kept trying to get back on the court. Can't remember what eventually happened with him, whether he fully recovered.

Jawann McClellan never did recover from his knee issues. He could have applied for a medical redshirt and came back for another year, and he said no, his playing days were over.

I remember another UA player, a guard, who Jim Rosborough said whose knees were "bone on bone". Forgot who it was. Player went into coaching.