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Andrey Orlov Returns to Finish Business this Season

After a season-ending knee injury last season, Andrey Orlov returns to join his fellow teammates.

Published: Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Updated: Monday, November 23, 2009 16:11

andrey orlov

Photo Illustration by Ana Rosa Murillo | Valley Star

ALL SMILES - Forward Andrey Orlov is back on the court after his knee injury.

It’s shoot-around time as the 6-foot-5-inch, 200-pound small forward Andrey Orlov, referred to as “Dray,” sinks consecutive 17-foot jump shots at Valley’s mid-day practice. Orlov was born in Moscow to an engineer father and an accountant mother. Eleven years ago they fled with their young son to escape inflation and a country whose economy was on the decline. The Orlovs’ dreams were to create a better life for themselves and their only child here in Los Angeles.

Unable to speak English upon arrival and entering fifth grade, the future jump-shooting Orlov worked diligently to learn the English language, and now considers the English language his language of preference. With the migration to the U.S came a change in recreational activities as the sophomore began to play basketball.

“In Europe I played soccer, everyone plays soccer, but when I got here everyone played basketball so I started playing ball,” Orlov said.

Last December, eight games into the basketball season, Valley’s starting forward heard a popping sound in his right knee. A routine drive to the basket against Ventura College had ended in a not-so-routine manner. The forward had a major knee injury and would miss the rest of the season.

“Man you could hear it pop, and the way he went down you just knew it was bad. That night was tragic for all of us. Real, real painful,” said Assistant Coach T.J. Lucero.

An MRI later confirmed that Orlov’s anterior crucial ligament was torn and surgery was vital to repair the knee. The injury left Orlov sidelined the remainder of the season. “It was hard just watching, but I was still able to help the team, from yelling in plays to reading defenses and talking to my teammates.”

The hard work that Valley’s starting forward had shown his whole life would have to work for him in the rehabilitation process.

“I worked all summer with Athletic Trainer Dennis Mestas which was a great experience getting stronger, it was a lot of work every day, but I didn’t mind that,” Orlov said.

Former Reseda High School teammate and now fellow Monarch teammate guard, Joel Spriggs, witnessed the intensity and labor put in this summer by his Moscow born counterpart, “They told him it would take six months to get back, but he got at it and worked hard this summer and got back in four months, doing things like working out three times a day to improve his game and his knee,” said Spriggs.

August marked the return of Orlov to the basketball courts, two months ahead of schedule.

Understanding his role within the team concept, Orlov – who is an avid reader off the courts and known for his perimeter shooting and ability to pull down rebounds for the Monarchs on the court – is ready for the season to begin. Head Coach Virgil Watson was clear in what he expected of his returning sophomore.

“He certainly has the ability and is capable of playing at the next level, and this year as a sophomore we’re expecting him to continue to improve, as his body heals, and be a leader on and off the court.” said Watson.

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