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The road to recovery
Redd trying to bounce back from serious knee injury
By Charles F. Gardner of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Aug. 15, 2009
Mark Hoffman
Entering his ninth year with the Bucks, Michael Redd is spending his summer rehabilitating his surgically repaired left knee at his alma mater, Ohio State
It's hard to believe nearly a decade has passed since a young player out of Ohio State was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 2000 draft.
Now Michael Redd is approaching his 30th birthday this month, and he's facing a turning point in his career.
He is coming back from major surgery on his left knee after an injury that prematurely ended his season in January and helped push the Bucks out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
"It's amazing; it's been a fast journey," Redd said of beginning his 10th season with the Bucks this fall. "I'm looking forward to a new chapter after the injury. I'm ready to explode and have some fun."
But first there is more work to be done, more taxing hours of rehabilitation and preparation. Redd has been spending 2 to 2? hours each day working out at Ohio State University, his alma mater in his hometown of Columbus.
Redd has not played basketball yet or been on the court, and he admitted he's getting anxious for that moment.
"I'm just trying to get the leg stronger," he said. "I feel good. I really haven't had any breaks.
"I'm doing a lot of scar-tissue work, machine work and cardio. It's getting the scar tissue to heal. I'm making progress. The whole process is good because it's a chance to build your body up again."
Redd had a heavy year of basketball in 2008, playing more than 2,700 minutes for the Bucks during the 2007-'08 season and heading directly into training with the U.S. Olympic team.
Just one year ago, Redd was in Beijing with the U.S. "Redeem Team" as it made its unbeaten run to an Olympic gold medal.
Redd said he has not talked to anybody about a future role with the U.S. team, although he indicated U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski has contacted him several times to wish him well in returning from his injury.
"It's really not been on my mind, especially with the injury," Redd said. "Right now my focus is on getting healthy."
Bucks trainer Marc Boff has worked with Redd in Columbus to assist in the rehabilitation process.
"I have complete confidence he's going to come back 100%, as does Michael," Hammond said.
Redd said he is pointing to a successful return and is not concerned about any long-term effects.
"The doctors have told me that absolutely I will be able to come back stronger than I was before, if I rehab the proper way," Redd said.
The road to recovery - JSOnline
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