Daniel Alcantara recovers from broken back to help lead Reading High basketball team

Daniel Alcantara couldn’t walk and couldn’t see.

The fear of losing his senior season for the Reading High boys basketball team flashed across his mind.

Ruben Rodriguez, his Red Knights teammate, had passed to Alcantara on a fastbreak during a summer camp all-star game at East Stroudsburg University. As Alcantara tried to dunk, a defender met him in midair trying to stop him.

Alcantara wound up on the court writhing in pain.

“I couldn’t even move a muscle,” he recalled. “It was bad. They helped me stand up and I couldn’t think straight. I was seeing all black. It was definitely scary.”

Alcantara was diagnosed with a broken back, which sidelined him for almost three months. He’s returned to the Red Knights and is ready to help them make a run at a second straight PIAA Class 6A championship after some frightening times.

“We were worried how long it was going to take for him (to fully recover),” Rodriguez said, “and if he was going to come back as the same Daniel we know.

“He’s definitely not scarred or shocked from that injury. He works just as hard or even harder now. He’s jumping crazy now.”

The 6-4 Alcantara is one of three returning starters for Reading, which plays Imhotep Charter in a season opener Friday night at Bollman Center. The Knights are the preseason favorites in Berks I and the Berks League.

Expectations wouldn’t have been as great if Alcantara hadn’t been cleared to play.

“We’ve been playing together for a long time,” senior guard Joey Chapman said. “I expect a big year from Daniel, bigger than last year. He did great last year, but him knowing it’s his last ride is going to make him think bigger. He will have a monster season.”

Alcantara averaged 14.0 points per game last season and was Reading’s second-leading rebounder behind Moro Osumanu. After he struggled in a loss to Wilson in the Berks title game, he averaged 16.5 points in the District 3 and PIAA playoffs. He poured in 27 points in a state semifinal win over Upper St. Clair.

“Once we saw Daniel make his first two shots that night, it was like keep giving him the ball,” Rodriguez said. “I remember him telling me that night, ‘I’m going for 30. I want 30. I need 30.’ I said, ‘Go ahead, bro.’ ”

Rodriguez, a junior guard, and a few other teammates were there when Alcantara injured his back. When Rodriguez texted the news to the teammates who weren’t there, Chapman thought it was a joke.

“When Daniel came home, he told me he was going to be good,” Chapman said. “I kept hoping he was going to be good before the season or as soon as possible. He’s a big part of our team.”

Alcantara struggled during his recovery. He had to stay off his feet for a week or so and had to wear a brace. He tried to stay in shape, but it was hard because he was limited in what he could do. His pain went beyond his back.

“He was not all mentally there (from) not being around his basketball family,” Reading coach Rick Perez said. “For our kids, we have to understand this is a major part of their identity. Not having it, I think he disconnected with himself, his goals, us.

“He’s finding his way back now. He’s getting there. It’s a work in progress. Trying to be the person you were, trying to move the way you want to move, trying to find your groove, it hurts.”

Alcantara has been back with the Knights for about three weeks. Perez took it slow with him at first, but now he’s improving every day.

He’s entering his third season as a starter. He can play outside or inside. He can shoot, pass, handle, rebound and defend. He’s versatile and dangerous.

“He is the man,” Perez said. “It’s his demeanor, his composure on the floor. He’s physically imposing. You know what a big-time athlete looks like. You know how they walk. You know how they talk. He’s going to command respect just by his presence.

“It’s like he’s untouchable. He’s playing at a whole other level than anyone else.”

There was a moment or two when Alcantara didn’t know if he would be ready for the season. Now he can’t wait until Friday night.

“I’m going to do what I do best,” he said. “I’m going to bring energy, spread the floor, lock up, score, find the open man, everything.

“I’m super excited. I cannot wait. I know Thursday night I’m not going to get any sleep just thinking about the game. I just want to get on the court.”