Davis Nwankwo would have good reason to be distracted during Vanderbilt basketball games. But his immediate responsibility is to keep statistics, which keeps him from thinking about the heart condition that cost him his Commodores playing career and nearly his life on a fateful day just over a year ago.
“Occasionally when I see a really good play, I’ll shout,” said Nwankwo. “But by taking the stats, I’ve got to stay laid back. I’ve got to pay attention, especially to turnovers because you never know, coach might ask me how many they’ve got.”
When Vanderbilt faces Georgetown in the third round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, the 6-foot-10 sophomore and Georgetown Prep alum will be on the Commodores’ bench, where he’s been all season.
Nwankwo hasn’t played basketball since suffering a cardiac arrest and collapsing during practice on March 6 last year. Revived by automated external defibrillator and Vanderbilt trainer Mike Meyer, he was later diagnosed with an enlarged heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and advised to give up most sports for good.
He’s limited to moderate levels of physical activity — push-ups, sit-ups, a little on the exercise bike — but he didn’t want to quit the team.
“Davis’s biggest concern when he had his problem last spring was would he still be able to be involved in the program,” said Vanderbilt head coach Kevin Stallings. “I told him I would probably work him harder as a non-player than he was working as a player. He has stayed very involved and been very instrumental for us and a real inspiration to every member of this program.”
Keeping track of points-per-possession, charting shots, rebounds, turnovers makes Nwankwo more than just a cheerleader.
But it doesn’t make up for missing the resurgence of the Commodores, who survived two overtimes against Washington State to reach the Sweet 16.
“I’m not going to lie,” said Nwankwo. “It’s been hard at times, but at the same time I’m happy. I’m proud of the guys, I’m proud of my teammates. As long as they’re winning, they’ve kind of made everything go away.”
Vanderbilt and Georgetown have played in each of the last two regular seasons, but facing former Little Hoya teammate Roy Hibbert in the Sweet 16 would have fulfilled a dream.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Nwankwo said. “We’re playing at Georgetown Prep one day, and then we’re meeting in the Sweet 16 the next day. We’re both happy for each other, and may the best man win. It’s going to be a good game.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime — it’s a great opportunity for me and Roy to catch up. But unfortunately, I’m not playing.”
