Kenneth Faried has re-found his purpose in basketball. The Manimal’s move to Reggio Emilia raised eyebrows in November. Now, Emmet Ryan writes, it is proving an inspiration in Serie A and the Basketball Champions League
Reggio Emilia signed Kenneth Faried to change their fortunes in Serie A and the Basketball Champions League (BCL). While the Manimal has proven to be a more than worthy contributor, the Italian club has also reinvigorated something within him. His role at Reggio Emilia, or rather his rebirth, brings to mind Invictus by William Ernest Henley.
Out of the night that covers me
It went like this: “It’s a steal, it’s a turnover, it’s a fast break, it’s Reyes…It’s the Manimal with a block.” With one furious but well-timed change of direction that caught me by surprise on commentary, Kenneth Faried may have changed the direction of Reggio Emilia’s season.
It wasn’t even that impressive a night for Faried. He finished with a respectable 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block in 21 minutes. It was in line with his season averages. Faried however was showing that a man’s contribution can go far beyond the stat sheet.
This 96-90 loss to Baxi Manresa did not exist in isolation. Based on the head to head, the Italian club now holds the edge over the Spanish side in the race for the Basketball Champions League quarter finals.
The block didn’t stand in isolation either. It was a spark, one that was quite directly followed by Momo Faye. He roused his side to the battle, to ensure the score stayed tight and that they would be masters of their fate. We’ll get back to that.
I thank whatever gods may be for my unconquerable soul
Kenneth Faried played like a man who would prove to you he would be a megastar. From Morehead State to the Denver Nuggets, he quickly won over fans and analysts. The energy he brought was obvious and it was coupled with efficiency.
It was in 2014, in Bilbao, that I was certain he was set to be a centrepiece superstar for a decade to come. There, on a Team USA side with both Steph Curry and Klay Thompson less than a year before they lifted their first NBA championship, the Manimal was unleashed. Faried had jaws dropping across press row every night.
It was a genuine privilege to witness. Through the knockout stages in Barcelona, it was more of the same. The final in Madrid belonged to Kyrie Irving but the tournament to Faried. Except, somehow, Kyrie robbed him of MVP but Faried still left Spain a star.
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“In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud”
We know what came next. He signed the big contract but the injuries piled up. He was traded by the Nuggets. Brooklyn and Houston didn’t work out. A stint with CSKA Moscow was a disaster. There were multiple stops in China, Puerto Rico and the G League, which brought him to Mexico. The man we saw in Spain, built on hustle, heart, and indomitable will was gone.
At least that was how it looked in isolation.The cumulative story tells something rather different. Kenneth Faried never stopped believing he could matter in basketball. That’s why he kept on taking on new gigs. The man had earned more than enough to never play again. Basketball had changed and, perhaps, the hunger of the Manimal was gone.
Faried has been refreshingly open in dealing with his struggles. Basketball changed and he has worked to adapt with it. He’s far from the sole player of his generation, particularly among bigs, who has needed to adapt. Yet for all his work, basketball seemed done with him.
Then came Italy. The grind, the commitment, and sheer force of will, had got him a shot at real basketball.
With Reggio Emilia in the Basketball Champions League, Kenneth Faried is finally enjoying the sport once more.
Under the bludgeonings of chance my head is bloody, but unbowed
Kenneth Faried really couldn’t have landed in a better spot to re-find the Manimal. Reggio Emilia is a good side but not considered a favourite by any stretch in its two primary competitions.
In the Basketball Champions League, they have benefited from Faried’s energy to carry them into playoff contention. A win over the already eliminated Petkimspor will put them in the quarter finals. Meanwhile in Serie A, they are in sixth but just two games outside of top spot. Italy by the way has quietly become possibly the most fun league to watch in Europe. That’s not an easy title to claim.
On an underdog, but one with fight in it, the Manimal can make an enormous difference. It’s a challenge unlike any other he’s faced. In Manresa, he faced the hottest crowd since his Morehead State days. This is an environment where Faried can thrive.
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I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul
This is not about a comeback. Nor is it some kind of tribute to the player Kenneth Faried once was. This is the Manimal reclaiming purpose and, visibly, finding real joy in basketball again.
This chapter isn’t about proving his doubters wrong. It’s about proving to himself that he not only belongs, but that he can bring others with him on this journey. This is a player that isn’t just enjoying his basketball, he’s enjoyable to watch play.
One block. That was all it took to remind us what we’re watching when Kenneth Faried is on the floor. Whether it’s the Basketball Champions League or Series, the message was clear. Expect the unexpected and be ready for the Manimal to unleash the fury.
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