Majok's emotional return from injury

Perth Wildcats big man Majok Majok revealed he experienced both excitement and anxiety in the build-up to his return to the court from injury.

Prior to Tuesday night’s pre-season game in Tasmania, it had been 611 days since Majok last played a game of basketball, which was Game Three of the 2020 NBL Grand Final.

The centre was ruled out for the entire 2021 NBL Season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in November last year.

He said he was relieved the long rehab journey had finally come to an end.

“It was good to finally be back out there, it’s been a long time coming, a lot of build-up over the off-season, grinding it out, waiting for that moment to get in my first game,” he said.

“There was a lot of excitement, a lot of anxiety, a lot of build-up, all of those emotions, but once the game came along, it was time for me to ease off and just go and do my thing out there.”

He said he’s been able to regain confidence in his foot over the off-season period.

“It’s always in the back of your mind, but just being able to play in the off-season, and with training, I had that time to put it all behind me and trust myself and the medical team and all the rehab that we’ve put in," said the two-time NBL Champion.

“I’m stronger than I was before and I’m just going to go out there and play like I was before.

“It may not be pretty at the beginning, but it’s all about the process, so I’be just got to keep building up.”

Majok was impressive in Tuesday night’s NBL Blitz game against Adelaide, coming away with eight points and five rebounds in 13 minutes of game time.

The Wildcats are back in action on Friday night against Brisbane.

“Tuesday was the first game with all of us together with a new coach who just came in, so for us it’s just a learning process,” said Majok.

“We had a very good film session, so I’m just looking forward to the next game and to improve on all those little things that we could have done better.”

Tip-off on Friday us at 4.30pm WA time, with the game streamed live and free on Kayo Freebies.