Concussions May Put Texas’ Guard Javan Felix’s Career In Jeopardy

Rick Barnes’ Texas Longhorns are now 16-8 (5-6) on the year and with the regular season quickly dwindling, each game is of the utmost importance for the Horns’ postseason plans.

Texas is entering a stretch of their schedule where, beginning next week, they’ll see five-straight ranked opponents before their season finale against Kansas State in Austin.

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It goes without saying that their season hasn’t exactly lived up to the expectations thus far. Most would put the blame on the struggling guard play — whether it’s due to their inconsistencies with perimeter shooting or losing and having to re-adjust to Isaiah Taylor – but in a crucial point in the season, the Longhorns’ second best ball handler and most reliable threat from deep’s career could now be in jeopardy do to repeated concussions.

In Texas’ Jan. 31 loss to Baylor, Felix suffered a concussion after running into a hard screen. The concussion kept Felix out for the next two games before he was able to return in an impressive fashion against TCU, where he put up 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including hitting 4-of-7 from the perimeter.

But Felix’s most recent concussion serves as his third in the last year. One came last season when chasing a loose ball against Kansas, while another also occurred in preseason practice, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

As expected, continual concussions bring about a major cause for concern for one’s future, which is something Felix is well aware of after his most recent injury after being asked about any long-term effects.

"“Of course, it’s my brain. The only way to stop this is to not play. I love basketball; it’s what I’ve been doing my whole life. I healed up and felt like I was ready to go.”“I am worried about it,” he added. “Probably, if I get hit hard and it’s a real bad one, I think I won’t be able to play again.”"

This is never something a player, coach or fan of the game ever likes to say or hear, but Texas athletics is no stranger to seeing one of their high-profile athletes have to prematurely end their career due to the long-term effects of concussions, just as the case was with the Longhorns’ former starting quarterback, David Ash.

Barnes was asked about whether he felt Felix’s most recent concussion is one that could force him to step away from the game.

"“It’s something to talk about. … That’s a great question. I would put myself in a position of a parent. They talk to the parents about it. You have to be prepared to say, ‘Hey, we can’t do it.’ ”"

Felix is currently the Longhorns’ fourth leading scorer with 10.5 points per game. Although he’s shown in Texas’ most recent win over TCU that he’s back and still producing at a high level, with a portion of the season still remaining and Felix having another year of eligibility ahead of him, there’s certainly reason to be concerned for what the future holds for the Longhorns’ shooting guard.

All quotes courtesy of the Austin American-Statesman.

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