New Zealand Breakers forward Akil Mitchell says his eye has made an astounding recovery since it popped out of its socket during a basketball game last week.
The Breakers' new signing Akil Mitchell playing for Virginia. Photo: Supplied
"It's doing pretty well," he told Checkpoint with John Campbell.
"It feels good."
Doctors were "pretty astounded" by his recovery.
The 24-year-old former University of Virginia player had no double vision and little pain.
"I get a little pain here and there. The vision is all clear…since it happened.
"Everything's repairing itself and healing slowly."
Mitchell's freak injury scarred the home team's 94-81 NBL loss to Cairns in Auckland last Thursday.
The American fell to the floor early in the final quarter after what seemed to be an innocuous poke to the face while contesting a rebound with Taipans centre Nnanna Egwu, resulted in his left eyeball coming out of its socket.
The injury left his team-mates visibly upset, along with fans near the baseline.
Mitchell felt "a bit tentative" getting back on the court, but he was taking precautions, such as wearing safety glasses on the court.
He practised today and hoped to get a run against Adelaide this weekend. He would travel there with the team tomorrow.
"They fog up every now and again.. but it gives me confidence … that my eyes are protected."
"I want to get on the court," he said.
