In a heart-wrenching interview, former basketball star Bryant Dunston opened up about a terrifying battle he faced off the court. He shared how a routine cryotherapy session almost cost him his leg and threatened his basketball career.
Dunston made headlines while launching a new podcast with his former Anadolu Efes teammates, Shane Larkin and Elijah Bryant. During the episode, he revealed a shocking incident that occurred when he experienced severe pain in his leg.
“I couldn’t get out of the cryotherapy machine. I was shaking, my hands felt frozen, and my skin was bruising. Alec Peters helped me out; at first, he thought I was joking. A massive blister had formed on my left leg,” Dunston recounted. Despite feeling unwell, he was determined to play against Olympiakos the next day, ignoring the concerns of his teammates.
In that critical match, Dunston managed to score 10 points and grab 8 rebounds, helping Anadolu Efes secure a 86-67 victory. However, his health took a turn for the worse. He revealed that his skin began to peel, forcing him out of the game and preventing him from returning to the court. Unfortunately, specialized treatments didn’t yield any significant improvement.
Weeks later, Dunston underwent an MRI that he described as torturous. After consulting with doctors in Germany, he learned just how serious his condition was.
Frostbite had nearly reached his ligaments and bones, putting him at risk of having his leg amputated below the knee. Fortunately, it was determined that the damage was external, not internal. This diagnosis allowed Dunston to avoid the worst-case scenario and continue his basketball journey, inspiring fans around the world.
Today, at 38 years old, Dunston remains a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
