One of the largest and most complex organs in the human body, the brain controls almost everything a human does.
But an injury to the brain can be catastrphrophic, hindering almost all aspects of daily life.
Hofstra men’s basketball player Christian Tomasco is unfortunately familiar with this reality. He suffered a serious concussion in December, after he hit his head three times in succession.
“It really messed me up,” Tomasco said.
Like many who suffer concussions, the Moorestown, New Jersey native did not immediately know the severity of his situation.
“I didn’t help myself at all,” Tomasco said. “. I really thought I was fine.,” Tomasco said. “For example, I drove two hours home and two hours back at night right after getting hit. I tried to work out, and I felt like I was going to throw up.”
For three weeks, Tomasco would becomeas nauseous throughout the day. His head throbbed, and he could not stare at bright lights or listen to loud noises. He needed to take Melatonin melatonin supplements every night — something as simple as sleeping became a nightmare.
“I couldn’t sleep,” Tomasco said.. “When I closed my eyes, there were flashing lights,” Tomasco said. “It is like if I was forced to stand on the barrier between a highway at night, and had to watch the cars racing by.”
His concussion restricted him from participating in team activities, like practices and workouts, but and he was also unable to travel on road trips. So, when the Pride defeated the 24th-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks 89-81 on Dec. 18, Tomasco couldn’t partake in the celebration.
“I couldn’t go. I was pissed. I was so pissed,” Tomasco said. “I couldn’t even watch it on television. That was a rough one.”
Tomasco is now focusing on the spring semester. With the understanding of his professors and a strong work ethic, he is ready to power through.
“I am at that point where I just have to deal with it,” Tomasco said. “I will figure it out. Like one morning, I went to physical therapy, and it totally messed me up. When I had to miss class because my head hurt that bad, the teachers were understanding, so that is really important.”
While recovering from his concussion, the freshman has been soaking up everything he can during his redshirt season — which is a delay of his participation on the court in order to lengthen his period of eligibility.
Ultimately, Tomasco is viewing the redshirt year as a blessing.
“I almost thought about dropping my redshirt because the team needed a big,” Tomasco said. “But I decided not to because now I will be more prepared for next season. A redshirt year is ultimately the best thing any freshman can do. It was a gift that [head coach] Speedy Claxton gave me.”
Tomasco has spent the year adapting to the college game — including learning new plays, working on his shot and bonding with his teammates.
“The college game is a lot different,” Tomasco said. “It is an onslaught of information every day, and you are learning something new every practice. I am learning so much about the game itself.”
When he returns next season, Tomasco will make his college basketball debut next season. The athletic 6-foot-9 forward will provide head coach Speedy Claxton with a big-man who can run the floor, pop out to shoot three-pointers and play a post-game, too.
“I think I am going to have a big role in the offense next season. But who knows who will even be on the team?” Tomasco said. “Right now, I am just trying to get better in every aspect I can control. That can be improving my relationship with my coaches. That can be improving my skills. Or that can be developing a more complete game.”
Tomasco has had an eventful year, suffering a traumatic brain injury that altered his reality. But when the buzzer sounds in the winter, it will finally be time for basketball.
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
