Old Dominion Men’s Basketball Player Collapses During Game vs Georgia Southern Unable to Return

An Old Dominion University men’s basketball player suffered a terrifying ordeal on Saturday as the team took on Georgia Southern.

The incident occurred with about 13:13 left in the first half. Old Dominion sophomore guard Imo Essien was on the defensive side of the ball when he fell onto his backside on the court. He struggled to get back to his feet and started to lay down on his back appearing to be in pain.

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The Old Dominion Monarchs logo at the Ted Constant Convocation Center on March 6, 2019, in Norfolk, Virginia.
(Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Medical personnel for Old Dominion rushed over to attend to Essien. He didn’t appear to lose consciousness and was helped to his feet and walked off the court with the trainers.

“Imo Essien was evaluated by the ODU Athletic Training staff along with the GA Southern medical staff,” the school stated. “He was responsive throughout and was able to sit with the team for the duration of the game and drove home with the team.”

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“He is in good spirits and will work with the ODU Sports Medicine Staff when they return to Norfolk,” the statement continued.

Essien joined the Monarchs before the start of the 2021-2022 season and averaged about 7.1 minutes per game. His minutes increased this season to 29.4 per game and his scoring average jumped from 1.2 to 5.4 points per game.

An Old Dominion University men’s basketball player suffered a terrifying ordeal on Saturday as the team took on Georgia Southern.
(Mitchell Layton/Getty Images/File)

The Wylie, Texas, native was a high school standout who was a two-time All-State selection and scored 1,000 points in his career.

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Old Dominion won the game, 81-75, in overtime.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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