Weber camp hopeful for NBA return

Zach Joachim, Contributing Writer

Marcus Blackwell, Staff Writer

The news of former VCU basketball guard Briante Weber failing his the team physical and voiding a signed contract with the NBA’s Miami Heat on Sept 13. came as a surprise to many, but not for the Weber camp.

Still recovering from a knee injury he sustained last season, Weber had been cleared to resume basketball activities Aug. 26. Despite signs of progress, the player who nearly set the NCAA career steals record before going down has struggled to prove he’s healthy enough to warrant a NBA roster spot. After signing a training camp deal with Miami over the summer, Weber’s hopes of beginning his professional career had been on the rise before this minor setback.

It has been seven months since the defensive specialist tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee, so the results of the physical did not come as a shock. Weber’s tenacious, all-out style of play naturally puts a lot of pressure on his knees and he is in no rush to push the timetable on a return, according to his agent, Bill Neff.

Neff said he is remaining optimistic, suggesting he is still confident that the Heat remain interested in Weber.

“Most ACLs take about eight to nine months to recover,” Neff said. “What I wanted to do was get him to a club that would embrace him and be with him through these times.”

Neff’s attitude suggests that despite the setback, the Heat plan on making the former VCU star a project of sorts. He went on to say that he anticipates Weber’s knee is nearing a full recovery. Neff said he is pushing for Weber to play with Miami’s NBA Developmental League affiliate: , Sioux Falls Skyforce sometime this season.

Several other teams have expressed interest in the undrafted free agent, so Weber supporters can be confident that he will find a home by the time the 2015-16 season tips off.         

Weber is restlessly anticipating a return to the basketball court.

“I’m just waiting for them to give me the green light to get on the court,” he said. “I’m just ready to start playing again.”