Coaches, players, fans and just about everyone connected to a college basketball team get excited and maybe even a little nervous going into season-opening games.
But for University of Denver center Rob Lewis, there was more anxiety than first-game jitters Friday night when the Pioneers opened the season against Portland State.
For the 6-foot-7, three-season veteran, it was a test to see if he could still play at college basketball’s top level. He had not played in a real game for 16 months while recovering from a back injury, which took away his entire 2010-11 season.
“I’m glad that first game is behind me,” Lewis said after scoring four points and pulling down three rebounds in 18 minutes in the 69-61 win. “I thought a lot about playing again, and I was nervous before the game. I didn’t play that well, and there always are things you want to do better. I’m moving forward.”
It all started during the Pioneers’ European trip in the summer of 2010. Lewis had some pain when the team left, but during a game in Spain, he took a hit to the lower back. Pain shot down his leg and into his foot. The travel back to the United States wasn’t easy on his back.
He eventually was diagnosed with a stress fracture that was causing nerve problems in his lower back. He spent the last six months regaining his strength and trying to get into game shape.
DU coach Joe Scott is just glad Lewis was able to come back. The Pioneers are fielding an experienced team with Brian Stafford, Chris Udofia and brothers Chase and Travis Hallam. They are expecting a winning season and a high finish in the Sun Belt Conference.
The ability to plug in an experienced post man just adds to those expectations.
“There’s no question Rob Lewis is a key player for us,” Scott said. “It’s going to take a little time for him to really get into playing shape. But while he’s doing that, our other veteran players have to step up.”
Scott has a plan he hopes will provide dividends from Lewis, a senior, later in the season. Slow and steady will win the race.
“We’re trying to shrink his duties at first to maximize his output later,” Scott said. “I think that will get him playing at a high level quicker after he was out for so long.”
There was an uneasy moment in Friday’s opener. Lewis fell hard to the court while trying to scoop up a loose ball. He stayed on the floor for several minutes but was able to return to the game after being checked by the medical staff.
Lewis thinks back to his rehab work and a time in January when he was told he could play again. He started setting his sights on Friday’s opener at Magness Arena.
Even keeping it simple is “much, much better than watching.”
Lewis doesn’t believe he will be counted on too much. As a sophomore in 2008-09, he averaged career bests with 12.9 points and 5.5 rebounds. As a junior, he averaged 8.0 and 3.4 in less playing time.
“I’m just going to play as hard as I can,” Lewis said. “After every game you always think that you want to do better. We’re just trying to keep it simple for now.”
As for the injury, Lewis has put it behind him.
“It’s tough after being away that long to come back and play at a high level,” said Lewis, who came to DU from Colorado Springs. “It can dictate how you play if you’re worrying about any kind of injury.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
Lewis by the years
Avg. Avg.
Year G Min. Reb. Pts.
2007-08 30 683 4.4 8.7
2008-09 31 924 5.5 12.9
2009-10 28 545 3.4 8.0
2010-11 Did not play
