RE: BB Class of 2019
A little backround on Sorolla, other than statistics and "cracking" the starting lineup at Valpo:
Jay takes flight: Jaume Sorolla rounding back into form for Valparaiso after ankle injury
Jaume Sorolla Valparaiso
Junior center Jaume Sorolla (14), who has played four games since returning from a right ankle injury, defends against High Point during a game on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018. (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune)
Michael Osipoff Michael Osipoff
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Jaume Sorolla is anxious to ramp things up for Valparaiso.
To understate it.
From all accounts, the 7-foot center from Spain was poised to have a breakout junior season.
But about a week before the Crusaders’ Nov. 1 exhibition against Indianapolis, Sorolla injured his right ankle in practice. He elevated to block a shot and landed awkwardly.
With Valparaiso in finals week, Sorolla is four games into his comeback after missing six. He’s eager to resume his upward trajectory.
“It’s great,” Sorolla said of being back.
Before suffering the sprain, Sorolla seemed ready to make an impact from the outset.
He put in the time during the offseason. He increased his conditioning — “last season, I wasn’t able to play five minutes,” he said — and focused on reducing committing cheap fouls. He improved his eating habits, making healthier choices.
Coach Matt Lottich certainly noticed the progress from Sorolla, who averaged 4.9 points and 3.4 rebounds last season and 5.2 and 4.4, respectively, as a freshman.
“Jay had a fantastic offseason,” Lottich said of Sorolla. “Rolling his ankle, I know he was disappointed. But if it was going to happen in-season, it happened at a pretty good time.
“It would be naive to think he’s exactly where he was. But we expect him to get there and be a big part of what we’re doing. We’re excited.”
Sorolla underwent an MRI and the initial diagnosis called for him to miss seven weeks. He had managed to avoid significant injury throughout his career, and this one rattled him.
“It never happened to me before,” Sorolla said.
Jaume Sorolla Valparaiso
Valparaiso junior center Jaume Sorolla (14), who missed six games with a right ankle injury, looks on during his season debut at UNLV on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (Ethan Miller / Getty)
He headed to Spain to receive treatment and undergo rehabilitation, working with the physical therapist for the national team.
Sorolla has represented his homeland at the under-16, U-17, U-18 and U-20 levels, winning a gold medal in the U-20 European Championships in 2016 and finishing fourth in the U-17 World Championships in 2014.
Treatment lasted three hours a day. He did pool workouts the first week, got back on the court running the second week and added on-court activities the third.
Sorolla was in contact with a tutor every day. He talked to teammates and other friends. He watched games online.
Sorolla was absent from the Crusaders’ exhibition and first four games. He returned from Spain before their Nov. 21 game against SIU Edwardsville, but was not in uniform on the bench.
He suited up three days later at West Virginia, but didn’t play.
He made his long-awaited season debut in Valparaiso’s Nov. 28 win at UNLV. He’s averaging 1.0 points and 1.3 rebounds in 9.3 minutes.
Sorolla said it was “frustrating” to be sidelined, especially considering his offseason diligence. But even more, he was “sad” to miss time given the close relationships among this group of players.
He already recognizes the chemistry.
Junior center Derrik Smits, the team’s starter, was happy to have his “buddy” back.
“I talk to him probably more than anybody,” Smits said of Sorolla.
Smits, who has a history of ankle problems, can empathize, too.
As a freshman, Smits tore two ligaments in his right ankle in practice between the exhibition and season opener, leading to him redshirting. He suffered a similar injury as a high school sophomore.
“I understand his pain,” Smits said of Sorolla. “It’s good to have him back, another good big man to practice against.
“He’s a very good defensive player and a very good rebounder — we always need more rebounding. He’s worked hard to become a better offensive player. It’s a big boost to have him back, just depth at the position.”
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