Sharone Vernon-Evans' first major injury was bad timing for Canada's men's volleyball team.
The 20-year-old high flyer from Toronto had surgery to repair a stress fracture in his shin in late March that included the insertion of a rod, and his recovery was expected to last four to six months.
More than a few Volleyball Canada officials likely quickly counted off six months. Would the young star be back for the world championships, which Canada opens on Wednesday versus the Netherlands in Ruse, Bulgaria?
"When any athlete goes through an injury there's always that inkling of worry and panic, because this isn't a hobby, it's your career, your passion," Vernon-Evans said. "So I made sure I followed instructions from my coaches, trainers and nutritionist and took the necessary time to recover."
Vernon-Evans has been back practising and will lead Canada in the 24-country world tournament.
The six-foot-nine player was diagnosed with a precursor to a stress fracture last summer, but was healthy enough to help Canada to a bronze medal in the prestigious World League. But while playing his rookie season with Polish pro team ONICO Warszawa, an MRI revealed the stress fracture in his left tibia requiring surgery.
"The toughest part of my recovery was just having to sit out," he said. "I'm used to being very active, with lots of practising and training. So it was hard knowing that for the time being I couldn't be as mobile, and just had to rest. I wouldn't say that my injury has changed my approach to the game. I approach every practice and game with just as much tenacity and determination."
The dynamic young player has been a revelation for the Canadian team. During testing last summer in Gatineau, Que., he touched 12 feet, 6.5 inches on the vertical leap test, which is believed to be the second-highest touch in the history of the sport. He soars high over the volleyball net, which is just under eight feet tall. An NBA basketball net is 10 feet.
Vernon-Evans' wingspan stretches seven foot five, two inches shy of former Toronto Raptors forward Bruno Caboclo — whose wingspan is arguably his biggest asset.
Vernon-Evans first developed his leaping ability on a basketball hoop, but switched to volleyball team when his school's basketball team folded when he was 12.
His sister Theanna Vernon, also a volleyball player, led the Ryerson Rams to their first national title — in any sport — last season, earning a nomination for BLG U Sports female athlete of the year.
Vernon-Evans wasn't part of Canada's men's team that finished a thrilling fifth at the Rio Olympics. Ranked seventh in FIVB World League scoring last season though, he'll be a crucial piece of the Canadian roster in Bulgaria.
Canadian team coach Stephane Antiga, who coaches Vernon-Evans's pro team in Poland as well, said the former centre took on "huge offensive responsibilities" when he moved the young star to the right side.
"He's doing well, he's learning of course, we expect a lot from him," said Antiga.
The coach pointed out that Antiga was just 18 when he joined Canada's senior squad, an age where most are "playing junior competition, and not World League or world championships. He's learning from the other players, from the team he's training every day with."
Antiga is coaching Canada for the first time at the world championships. The 42-year-old Frenchman coached Poland to gold at the 2014 world championships. The Canadian team hired him last year.
The notable player absent from Canada's world roster is veteran outside hitter Gavin Schmitt, who retired from national team action after the Rio Olympics, but returned to play with the team in June.
Canada is in Pool B of the world tournament. Following their opening game against the Netherlands, the Canadians face Egypt on Thursday, China on Saturday, Brazil on Sept. 17, and France on Sept. 18.
The top four teams from each pool advance to the second round, which is being held in four cities in Italy and Bulgaria.
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Roster:
TJ Sanders, London, Ont.; Gord Perrin, Creston, B.C.; Steven Marshall, Abbotsford, B.C.; Nicholas Hoag, Sherbrooke, Que.; Lucas Van Berkel, Edmonton; Stephen Maar, Aurora, Ont.; Jay Blankenau, Sherwood Park, Alta.; Jason DeRocco, Winnipeg; Sharone Vernon-Evans, Toronto; Daniel Jansen VanDoorn, Langley, B.C.; Ryan Sclater, Port Coquitlam, B.C.; Graham Vigrass, Calgary; Blair Bann, Edmonton; Arthur Szwarc, Toronto.
Lori Ewing, The Canadian Press
