Will USC’s star Vince Iwuchukwu play basketball again following a cardiac arrest?
Following the scary news of his heart failure earlier this summer, there are now serious questions about whether USC’s star will play again.
With the unfortunate news coming out of USC, we have an all too sobering reminder that when it comes to physical health, the game must come second.
USC’s Vince Iwuchukwu sidelined following cardiac arrest
According to USC freshman basketballer Vince Iwuchukwu, he suffered a major cardiac arrest on July 1st and subsequently collapsed, during an informal team practice. Indeed, the highly talented player explained how he was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was hospitalized for a few days.
“This past summer I had a sudden cardiac arrest during a workout,” Iwuchukwu wrote in a statement. “Since the event, I have received optimal care from the university and my personal expert medical team. Currently, I am adhering to the standard protocol designed to ensure my health and safety. I’m feeling great and my recovery and rehabilitation remain positive.” Interestingly, this is the first time that grim situation was reported to the public. Though the event was confirmed, no further details were provided by the institution.
USC has sidelined Vince Iwuchukwu for his own protection
As things stand, the university has since taken the stance to prohibit Iwuchukwu from all basketball-related activities. As much as is the institution’s prized asset, this is of course a much more serious affair. To that end, Iwuchukwu has primarily been a spectator since the team started official preseason practice this week. Though he has participated in extremely limited exercises, there is as yet no official timetable for his return, nor is there any word on if he will even be allowed to play for the Trojans once again. It is understood that medical experts within the university, are currently in the process of determining the answer to that question.
Who is Vince Iwuchukwu?
At 7′1 and weighing in at 235 pounds, the forward/center is a presence to say the least. A four-star 2022 prospect in some rankings and a five-star in others, the Southern California Academy graduate committed to to USC in September 2021. From there, he’d go on to average 19.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in the final grassroots season of his time on the Nike EYBL circuit. Following in the tradition of fellow big boys Evan Mobley, Isaiah Mobley and Onyeka Okongwu, the USC star is the latest player of that ilk to sign up. At this point, what remains clear is that it’s not clear whether Iwuchukwu will play ball for USC again. If that turns out to be the case, it’ll be a sad end to what could’ve very well been a bright future in the NBA.