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Injuries are never a good thing, but there might just be a silver lining to the surgery that Illini commit Nnanna Egwu had on the herniated disc in his back.

According to St. Ignatius Prep coach Rich Kehoe, Egwu might be blessed with better lateral quickness than before following his recovery from surgery that took place on Aug. 17.

"Our therapist thinks he's running pretty well and that he could get a lot better with a little more flexibility," Kehoe said. "Muscular flexibility would help him out. He's been pretty much a straight-up runner, but now the therapist he's working with thinks he can get him a lot more lateral quickness and speed."

Egwu was slowed all summer by back problems, playing sporadically for the U-17 Illinois Wolves on the AAU circuit. The 6-foot-10, 230-pound center began rehab for his back last Wednesday, a process that will require him to attend once or twice a week for 10 weeks, Kehoe said. Doctors said the operation went well and expect him to make a rapid, full recovery just in time for the start of high school basketball in early November, Kehoe added.

"He's a little bit stiff and a little bit sore from the operation, a little bit hurting with his left leg, but I think we have an excellent rehab therapist who will help (the recovery)," said Kehoe, adding that Egwu is in good spirits and is motivated to get back to form.

Any improvement in lateral quickness would make Egwu even more valuable at the college level, especially considering his athleticism and ability to run the court so well was one of the major factors Illinois coaches offered a scholarship.

Having just begun playing structured basketball three years ago at one of Kehoe's summer camps, Egwu still has a lot to learn. It's been no secret that he needs to polish up his footwork and low-post game. Kehoe said he's been working on more than just that, though.

"The other thing is his improved jump-shooting ability. He can hit 3s," Kehoe said. "He hasn't shown that much, but he can knock down 3s. We matched him up with our best shooting guard in summer camp, and he beat him in a shooting contest."

As Kehoe put it, Egwu's progression as a player has been one of ups and downs, albeit definitely with more ups.

"He makes great strides, but then there's a bit of regression," Kehoe said. "The regression has a lot to do with how often he plays. I think if he plays a lot, I think he gains a lot of confidence, gets in a rhythm. I think once he gets out of focus, or let's say he sits for a while, he takes a step back."