If Capel says so, bank on Griffin's bounceback
Published: 10/30/2009 11:24 AM
Last Modified: 10/30/2009 11:24 AM
Jeff Capel was asked Thursday if he's able to help Blake Griffin in his recovery from his broken kneecap (the Clippers Curse, sadly, lives).
"I just listen to him," the Oklahoma coach answered. "Just really try to listen and lift his spirits. Obviously he's down. For any kid in that situation, that's your dream, to be out there playing. He can't do it right now, but he'll be fine...
"Look, I've known him. He'll use this as a positive, which he already is. He'll attack rehab and he'll come back better from it."
If I were a Clippers fan, I'd bank on Capel's statement more than any doctor's. The two maintain a unique relationship, dating back to the recruiting days they'd trade text messages about rappers, or watch NBA games in Capel's office.
When it came time to start making the pre-NBA Draft rounds last June in New York, Griffin wanted his coach at his side.
"When he called me and told me he wanted me here," Capel told Fanhouse from an EA Sports event promoting Griffin as its cover boy, "I wouldn't have missed it for the world...
"It makes you really proud. This is what coaching is about. It's the maturation process, not the things that come along with it. That's a bonus."
-- Guerin Emig
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
