599 Days

by Jaden Schutt

March 16, 2023.

It was my last college basketball game.

599 days would pass before I’d be back on the court.

Crazy to say that number out loud.

As I stepped back on the court for the first time in almost 20 months this season, I couldn’t help but feel grateful.

Grateful to be back after what has been a very long and challenging road to recovery.

Truthfully, it didn’t actually feel like it had been that long.

During rehab, I was so focused on the day-to-day and the little things that I didn’t really notice how much time had passed.

But, as I put on my VT jersey against Delaware State a few weeks ago on November 4^th, the feeling was overwhelming.

I was back!

The Setback

I tore my meniscus in late 2023.

Injuries happen, but this one was particularly rough.

Initially, I had a foot injury that I was redshirting from, and I had been focused on getting healthy from that.

Then I fractured my thumb, which was more annoying than anything.

I taped it up, knowing I could still play with it and was then planning on getting it fixed in the offseason.

But that’s when my meniscus went out during practice.

I didn’t know what to expect or where I was going to go from there, but I was determined to tackle the rehab process and get back on the court.

The Road Back

I knew I couldn’t give up.

I have been in love with basketball since I was a kid. My dad and older brothers played, and I wanted to be included.

Whether I played by myself, with friends, or with my family — I just couldn’t get enough.

So, being sidelined and not able to play was incredibly difficult.

It almost makes you feel like a different person.

However, not playing helped me appreciate the things that I do outside of basketball and the process of coming back.

I was trying not to look too far ahead.

I knew it would be at least a nine-month-long recovery, and I didn’t want to spend every day asking myself what it’ll be like when I return.

Instead, I took it day by day.

Next thing I know, I was back to running and jumping normally and feeling like myself again.

It was amazing to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Choosing Virginia Tech

After the 2023-24 season, I had a decision to make.

Do I stay at Duke or enter the transfer portal?

It was a tough decision, but ultimately, I decided to start a new chapter.

There was just one problem.

I was still injured when I entered the portal, so I had to convince schools that I’d be healthy and ready to go when the season started.

Every time I talked to a new school, it was like I had a big question mark next to my name.

I remember when I first met with Virginia Tech.

I was down to 180 pounds, and I had a cast on my leg and my hand.

Luckily, they gave me a chance and trusted that I would do whatever it took to get healthy.

They were very familiar with my game from when I played high school ball.

At Duke, I played a lot on our scout team, so I got to emulate Coach Young’s offense to help us prep, and it fit me so well.

On top of that, I got to experience Cassell Coliseum my freshman year, and the environment was just incredible.

I had no doubt in my mind that I wanted to be in Blacksburg.

I’m just thankful that Virginia Tech felt the same way.

The Road Ahead

With the season underway, I’m just so thrilled to be a part of this team.

Playing college basketball really gave me an appreciation for the little things about the sport: the 50/50 balls, helping on a pick-and-roll and side rotations, etc.

These are the kinds of things I want to bring to Virginia Tech.

It’s a young team and I’m still taking things game-by-game, but I want to be locked in for the guys.

I want to be a vocal leader, and I want us to show the country what we’re capable of.

Being such a young team, I know we have room for improvement, and I find that exciting to work towards.

We’re all learning together, and our energy is amazing.

We are coming together as a group and that’s what it takes to get better.

With Thanksgiving coming up, I just can’t help but reflect on my journey and re-emphasize how blessed I am to be here in Blacksburg and back on the court after almost 600 days of not playing in a competitive college basketball game.

I’m beyond grateful for the people and friendships in my life that have supported me on this journey and continue to be in my corner regardless of what lies ahead.

Having basketball taken away in an instant makes you understand what a privilege it is to be out there on the court.

So, this week, in particular, I just want to appreciate everyone and everything in my life that has helped me get to where I am today.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and I hope to see you at Cassell Coliseum soon.