Aron Baynes plays his first game since horrific injury: 'So much fun' / News - Basketnews.com

Aron Baynes is back on the basketball court after suffering a gruesome injury at the Tokyo Olympics last summer. The Australian center scored 14 points in the friendly match, while his Brisbane Bullets celebrated the victory.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Aron Baynes, who spent more than a year without basketball due to a severe setback, returned to the court.

Aron Baynes

Position:CAge:35Height:208 cmWeight:123 kgBirth place:AustraliaProfileNewsStatistics

Baynes signed a two-year contract with the Australian team, Brisbane Bullets, this off-season and played his first match on Sunday.

The Bullets defeated the New Zealand Breakers, 81-69 (18-28, 25-9, 19-16, 19-16).

Baynes spent 13 minutes on the floor and registered 14 points (4/6 2PT, 1/4 3PT, 3/4 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 15 PIR.

The 35-year-old NBA champ (2014) suffered a horrific injury at the Tokyo Olympics last summer.

The big man fell and was knocked unconscious when he went to the bathroom between the third and fourth quarters in an Olympics group stage match against Italy.

The next thing he knew, he couldn't walk as both legs were completely numb. He had lost his ability to walk.

Baynes was then rushed to a local hospital, where scans showed internal bleeding that was putting pressure on the player's spine. Later, he spent several months in hospitals, trying to learn to walk again.

All's well that ends well. Baynes fully recovered and was delighted with the opportunity to play basketball again.

"There were a lot of months when I didn't know if I would ever run around with my kids let alone, get to run around the court again," Baynes said post-game. "A lot of emotions today, so much fun: a kid in a candy store. Just loving it, having blast out there with the fellows. I am trying to enjoy every second of it.

I do not think there is a game that I am going to play from now on that I will ever not go in with the idea that I am going to have fun because I am lucky to be doing it. Big thank you to my family for getting me through to this point," added Baynes.

How does Aron Baynes' body feel?

"The lungs were not too good there for a minute," he said with a smile on his face. "Obviously, got a little bit to do with wind wires but it will come back pretty quick, I am not worried about that. I am trying to get the feel with these guys out there and have fun."

Bullets: Aron Baynes 14 (6 REB), Tyler Johnson 14, DJ Mitchell 12.

Breakers: Thomas Vadanovich 15 (5 REB), Rayan Rupert 12, Robert Loe 10 (5 REB), Jarrell Brantley 10 (8 REB).

Aron Baynes' post-game interview:

Game highlights:

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