Wilson: Dux walking tall on road to recovery
Published: January 29, 2010, 11:21 pm
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Brian Dux said he is doing fine, and you can believe him.
It has been more than two years since his horrific car crash in England, where he played profession basketball. The accident left him with a diffuse axonal injury to his brain, which leaves 90 percent of its victims in a persistent coma. Doctors initially feared for his life.
When he regained consciousness, he had partial paralysis in his left arm and leg and was unable to walk on his own.
But Dux came into the Koessler Center Friday night on his own two feet. No wheelchair was needed, just some assistance from a cane and a friend.
Of all the things the sellout crowd watched during the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference rivalry game between Canisius and Niagara, there was no greater sight than Dux sitting courtside.
He looks good. His speech, though still a little slurred, has improved greatly in the past few months.
He said proudly that he is getting better every day. His steps are measured, but he's walking nonetheless.
The fact that he can do that is partly because of a small miracle, but it's mostly because of a young man's indomitable will.
You see, when Dux was recovering from his crippling injuries he never stopped fighting. He never stopped pushing himself to get better. He wouldn't accept anything but the very best he could give.
That will come as no surprise anyone who knows him.
Dux goes through life with the same fierce determination that made him a star point guard at Orchard Park High School.
He goes through rehabilitation with the same heart and focus that transformed him into one of the finest players ever to wear a Canisius College uniform.
He goes through every single day with the drive that allowed him to become a successful pro overseas.
I remember when Dux first broke on the basketball scene. He was this scrawny kid, barely big enough to hold up his shorts, playing against bigger, more athletic players. He looked out of place, except when the basketball was in his hand.
By the end of Dux's sophomore year, everyone in Western New York had taken notice of a special player.
He got better and better each year, squeezing every ounce of ability out of his body. He was a suburban kid who could hold his own against the best in the city. Yes, Dux had street cred.
It's heartbreaking that the car accident took basketball away from Dux, but his love for the game has not waned. That's why he came out Friday night to watch his beloved Golden Griffins take on Niagara.
He sure saw a good one.
The Griffs and Purple Eagles engaged in a tight, thrilling contest that took overtime to decide the outcome. When it was over, Dux left — or I should say walked away — happy. His Griffs won it, 73-70.
It was only the second time in 14 games that Canisius had conquered its MAAC nemesis.
Ironically, the Griffs' last win over Niagara came on Brian Dux Night here two years ago last week.
Can you say "lucky charm?"
"I gave him a big hug and he was so happy, and I know the guys went over to see him," said Griffs coach Tom Parrotta. "That's what it's all about. He's a great ambassador to this program and he did a lot of things. It's only fitting. A feel-good night all around from him sitting there to the sellout."
Before Dux left the building, he issued this promise:
"I'll play basketball again. It's just going to take time."
Nothing is guaranteed in this life, as Dux certainly knows. But seeing him walk makes you believe anything is possible. If we know anything, it is not wise to doubt him.
All you had to do was watch him Friday night, moving step by step, walking tall once again.
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