It’s common – if not the norm – for athletes to play through pain. But this wasn’t the way Evan Seacat envisioned his senior year. He hopes the worst is finally over as Northwestern (9-8, 2-4 Big Ten) tries to snap its four-game losing streak tonight at Purdue (7-10, 1-5).
Seacat underwent an electroradiology treatment last Monday to correct a hernia problem that has plagued him for the past 17 months. The procedure, which was done at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, involved sticking a needle into the troublesome spot and burning the nerve area.
“For the last week, it’s been perfect,” Seacat said. “As far as I know, they went in and fixed it. It’s feeling pretty good for now.”
Seacat made it through a full week of practice for the first time since having hernia surgery in August 2004. The 6-foot-2 guard said the pain continued after the operation and lingered throughout last season. Seacat appeared in 27 games, averaging 1.7 points and shooting a career-low 29 percent from the field.
This year the senior guard has seen action in eight of the team’s 17 games. In all but two of those appearances, he played fewer than nine minutes. Seacat said the burning sensations became more severe in recent weeks, culminating in a trip to the emergency room during one practice.
“It got out of control this year, and I needed to get something done,” Seacat said. “We saw so many doctors, but they couldn’t figure out what was going on. They couldn’t actually pinpoint something (until now).”
Now Seacat, who is not eligible for a medical redshirt year, will try to make up for lost time and find a spot in the rotation. The Wildcats could use another shooter to ease their offensive struggles during the losing streak.
“We certainly need someone who can make some shots, so we’ll see how he does in practice,” coach Bill Carmody said. “I think he’s physically ready. Now he has to start playing hard in practice if he wants to get a shot at a game. When you have a layoff like that, it’s as much mental.
“Now he has to play himself into competitive shape. That covers a lot, mind and body.”
NU probably won’t be receiving any sympathy cards from the Boilermakers, who have been decimated by injuries this season. Five players are out for the season due to injury or suspension, including Purdue’s top two scorers from last year, all-Big Ten forward Carl Landry and senior guard David Teague.
The Cats defeated Purdue, 66-53, at Welsh-Ryan Arena in both teams’ Big Ten opener on Jan. 4. Boilermakers guard Nate Minnoy tore a knee ligament in the opening minutes of that game.
Seacat, on the other hand, appears to have a chance to salvage what remains of his senior season.
“It’s been difficult, but if I can’t play, I still try to keep the guys going,” Seacat said. “On and off the court I try to help them as much as I can.”
Reach Gerald Tang at [email protected].
