Player Diary: Jack Isenbarger 12/9

December 9, 2016 - It's almost been 3 weeks since I got injured and I'm starting to get my strength back after an AC (shoulder) sprain. I was blindsided by an open court screen against the Newcastle Eagles. The injury is common in football and rugby players, and the physio informed me that it would be best to rest from basketball for 3-4 weeks and supplement physical therapy until I am pain free and strength is restored to my shoulder. Fortunately, it was my left shoulder (my non-shooting shoulder). For my job, I am paid primarily to shoot and score the ball among other things. Therefore, it's a relief to know my shooting will not be affected by the injury.
Nonetheless, I am itching to get back on the court. I hate not being able to practice. I hate not being able to play. Yet, I still have been able to help the team in other ways such as working out teammates in positional-oriented drills and doing in-game notetaking to track flow of the game and look for ways to help us improve. It's a way for me to look at the game through my "coaching" lens. As much as I don't like not being on the court, it's been refreshing to see the game through a different perspective.

With Christmas coming up, it means many teams will be making roster changes in hopes of making a spot in the playoffs. We're currently sitting in ninth place of a 12-team league where the top eight teams make the playoffs. We feel that we have a top-eight team when everyone is healthy, and we have proven we can play with the top teams in the league.

Off the court, I'm looking forward to get a little break for the holidays. I'll be spending time with some friends I've made through the basketball club. We're heading to Portsmouth for a proper Christmas dinner and then we'll get to visit London  too. It's not ideal being away from family but it's nice to have friends who so generous as to open up their home to me. Last year when I was in Spain, the most difficult day of the year was Christmas. It was my first Christmas spent away from Zionsville, Indiana. This year, I'm hoping it will not be as difficult but I know it won't be easy. Christmas is a time to be home with loved ones and I plan on being home next Christmas.