Hudson aiming for quick recovery

Middle Tennessee senior center Theryn Hudson has been chasing high expectations his entire college career.

He signed with the Blue Raiders in 2005 over other high major offers and was widely considered one of the best signings achieved by head coach Kermit Davis during his tenure.

Hudson is now set to begin his senior season and is hoping it turns out to be his most memorable.

His career numbers are not bad. He's averaged 6.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in his three year career so far.

His numbers from last season were quite solid when he averaged 9.1 points and 5.4 rebounds.

But it has always seemed like the 6-foot-10 big man could reach an even higher level, an opinion shared by Hudson and his head coach.

To reach that point this season, he'll have to continue making a speedy recovery from offseason foot surgery, which he underwent on September 10th to correct an existing injury that originally surfaced during the season a year ago but ended up not healing completely with rest.

Hudson says having to endure that operation just a couple of months before the season tips off wasn't exactly what he had in mind, but he is still optimistic about his outlook.

"I was frustrated," he said of the injury and the timing of the surgery. "I thought it was going to heal on its own but I ended up reinjuring it again this summer. I'm frustrated that (the surgery) happened this late but I'm going to be back before the season starts so that's one good thing about it.

"I'm supposed to be cleared on November 10th but it could be earlier than that. I'll probably be rehabbing about two weeks before that November 10th date."

If he is cleared on November 10th, he'll be able to suit up in the season opener and will have nearly two full weeks to try to build up to a level where he could be a significant factor when the Blue Raiders host Tennessee on November 21st.

Hudson's presence is important on both ends of the floor, but he must work on avoiding foul trouble, particularly the kinds of silly fouls a long way from the goal that have plagued him at times during his first three seasons.

He knows if he can do that, that he can be a big part of a potentially memorable season.

"Our main goal is to win the Sun Belt championship and go into the tournament. That's our main focus right now," Hudson said. "I want to become a better rebounder mainly and also a better scorer. I've been working on my mid-range shot and more post moves and footwork. I'd say my right handed jump hook (is my go to move)."

Hudson has been wearing a heavy walking boot but is expected to be out of it soon, the next positive step toward getting him ready for the season.

GoMiddle.com Countdown to Tipoff

40 days-October 6th: Schedule full of challenges, opportunities

39 days-October 7th: Sun Belt newcomers to watch

38 days-October 8th: Strong memory motivates Yates

37 days-October 9th: Kanaskie in position to leave a legacy

36 days-October 10th: Johnson driving force behind MT attack

35 days-October 11th: O'Neil hopes to pick up where he left off

34 days-October 12th: Boyd's long awaited debut getting closer

33 days-October 13th: Allen may be MT's missing piece

32 days-October 14th: Hudson aiming for quick recovery