Femi John's Bittersweet Retirement: The St. Louis University Guard's Story of Struggle and Resilience

Strategic Insights -

Femi John's career as a St. Louis University guard was marked by a series of unfortunate injuries, including a broken knee cap, a torn meniscus, and a torn patellar tendon. Despite his best efforts to continue playing, the risks of further injury became too great, and John was forced to retire from the game he loved. Despite this, he remains a part of the team, attending practices, making trips, and working with the young players.

Key Takeaways:

  • Femi John, a former St. Louis University guard, was forced to retire from basketball due to knee injuries, including a broken knee cap, a torn meniscus, and a torn patellar tendon.
  • John's average of five points per game was not the only thing he brought to the team; his presence on the court also led to the team scoring 10 more points.
  • Coach Rick Majerus praised John, stating that the team misses him, and that he's a big part of the team's spirit, even if he's not on the court.
  • John, who is pursuing a degree in nursing, remains involved with the team, often attending practices and making trips, and is considering a future as a coach.
  • Despite the difficulties he's faced, John remains positive, crediting his faith and the support of his loved ones for helping him navigate his situation.

Statistics:

  • Femi John averaged five points per game during his playing career.
  • The St. Louis University Billikens take a 9-17 record into tonight's nonconference game with Chicago State.
  • John's injuries include a broken knee cap, a torn meniscus, and a torn patellar tendon.
  • 10 additional points were scored by the team when John was on the court.
  • John first suffered a broken knee cap during his redshirt freshman season.
  • It took John two months to suffer a second injury, a torn patellar tendon, after initially playing through the pain of a torn meniscus.

Sources:

  • Byline: TOM TIMMERMANN, ttimmermann@post-dispatch.com, 314-340-8190
  • Femi John quoted in the Post-Dispatch article, "St. Louis University guard Femi John forced to retire due to knee injuries".
  • Coach Rick Majerus quoted in the same article, "People talk about us missing Kwamain and missing Willie,".