Okafor: Injuries gone, Helping to fight HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

[ALong13]

LAGOS (NBA) - Nigerian-born Charlotte Bobcats forward, Emeka Okafor said the ankle injury that sidelined him for much part of last season has since gone as he looks more stronger and ready to explode for his team when the new NBA season start.

"My injury has healed. I have learnt from my struggle and the injury is my struggle. I'm back now, and stronger than before," he said.

Okafor who breezed into his native country, Nigeria to support in the Safe Blood for Africa (SBFA) initiative against the rise in HIV transmissions in sub-Saharan Africa especially Nigeria noted that the injury cost him a place in the US team that is campaigning in the FIBA Americas Championship in Las Vegas.

"As at the time they are picking the team, my injury has not healed and I wouldn't be able to play at that time. They taught they needed much fitter players, that was why I could not make the team," Okafor said.

Okafor who arrived Nigeria with Jeffrey Busch, CEO of Safe Blood International Foundation said he teamed up with the foundation because he likes helping people and most especially that his native country is involved, he want to do everything possible to safe his people from the deadly disease.

"My parent is from here, and that mens its part of me. As such, I have a strong connection to Nigeria. I like helping people. Nigerian need blood purifiers, from the kids to the adult, and there is need to help and let them know the importance of it," Okafor stressed.

On arrival at the Nigeria's capital, Abuja, Okafor alongside the Safe Blood International officials visited Minister of Health, Adenike Grange who commended the courage of the Nigerian-born America basketball star for taking up the initiative to support the fight against HIV spread.

Emeka was promptly made Nigeria Ambassador in the war against HIV/AIDS spread.

Before returning back to US, he is expected to visit his father's country home, Enugu Ukwu, Enugu state where he would meet with various groups and offer advice on the need to donate blood.

-FIBA.com

Hopefully he's correct when he says his injuries are gone, also glad to see he's trying to fight with others against AIDS and all, hopefully he can somewhat make a difference. If Okafor stays healthy I think he could be in for a nice season this year...

[davcbow]

Yeah I think he is being truthful as well as he knows about his health. I hope May can step it up too this year, with both guys healthy the majority of the season will help the Cats tremendously.

[Jonathanmartin7]

Ditto. The title of the thread kinda scared me though. I thought HE had HIV/AIDS! Whew. One of the keys to a great season will be Sean's health. I think the key to that is limiting his playing time to about 20 to 25 minutes a game. I've seen a lot of people post about how good Herrman was last year, and I'm just not convinced. I hope he's that good, but he was playing against scrubs most of the time so, either way it's too early to judge him. Sean has been great against tuff competition when he was healthy. So keeping him that way is paramount. I really think he could be as good or better than Elton Brand.

[dvdbumpus]

Ditto. The title of the thread kinda scared me though. I thought HE had HIV/AIDS! Whew. One of the keys to a great season will be Sean's health. I think the key to that is limiting his playing time to about 20 to 25 minutes a game. I've seen a lot of people post about how good Herrman was last year, and I'm just not convinced. I hope he's that good, but he was playing against scrubs most of the time so, either way it's too early to judge him. Sean has been great against tuff competition when he was healthy. So keeping him that way is paramount. I really think he could be as good or better than Elton Brand.

Haha you're right I thought that Emeka was the one with aids, and I about shit my pants. Fortunately it's not.

On the topic of May better than Brand, I can't see him as when Brand was a 25/10 threat, but I could see 20/8 as a legit possibility if he was healthy. I would suggest a lot like Carlos Boozer.

[Muttley]

Yeah, title made me a bit worried too! Good for Emeka, though. I anticipate real quality play from him this year.

[Alex]

Ditto. The title of the thread kinda scared me though. I thought HE had HIV/AIDS! Whew. One of the keys to a great season will be Sean's health. I think the key to that is limiting his playing time to about 20 to 25 minutes a game. I've seen a lot of people post about how good Herrman was last year, and I'm just not convinced. I hope he's that good, but he was playing against scrubs most of the time so, either way it's too early to judge him. Sean has been great against tuff competition when he was healthy. So keeping him that way is paramount. I really think he could be as good or better than Elton Brand.

Haha you're right I thought that Emeka was the one with aids, and I about shit my pants. Fortunately it's not.

On the topic of May better than Brand, I can't see him as when Brand was a 25/10 threat, but I could see 20/8 as a legit possibility if he was healthy. I would suggest a lot like Carlos Boozer.

Boozer has far surpassed the 'just a 20/8' guy. his performances last year in the playoffs were amazing and helped a jazz team that nobody gave a chance reach the western conference finals.

[dvdbumpus]

Ditto. The title of the thread kinda scared me though. I thought HE had HIV/AIDS! Whew. One of the keys to a great season will be Sean's health. I think the key to that is limiting his playing time to about 20 to 25 minutes a game. I've seen a lot of people post about how good Herrman was last year, and I'm just not convinced. I hope he's that good, but he was playing against scrubs most of the time so, either way it's too early to judge him. Sean has been great against tuff competition when he was healthy. So keeping him that way is paramount. I really think he could be as good or better than Elton Brand.

Haha you're right I thought that Emeka was the one with aids, and I about shit my pants. Fortunately it's not.

On the topic of May better than Brand, I can't see him as when Brand was a 25/10 threat, but I could see 20/8 as a legit possibility if he was healthy. I would suggest a lot like Carlos Boozer.

Boozer has far surpassed the 'just a 20/8' guy. his performances last year in the playoffs were amazing and helped a jazz team that nobody gave a chance reach the western conference finals.

I think I'm basing May on being a Boozer type on more than the basis of just stats. May, like Boozer is a guy who is very good in the low post at scoring and rebounding, but not in blocks. If you do want to look at stats, 06-07 was his first 20-10 season, and playoffs aren't factoring into that. If you do want to look at playoffs, Boozer did awesome; May in his last playoff appearance(UNC championship season) he carried the team during that time. Remember when he pulled a 29/12 to get UNC into the Final four? Or the 26/10 stat line where he made 10 of 11 shots? Seems awfully familiar.

[davcbow]

Well guys 1 month and 4 days away from pre season opener, cant wait!!!! Go BOBCATS........