Kellen Thames refused to believe the diagnoses, rebounded from cramping to earn all-conference

The SLU junior endured numerous tests and said 'I was always optimistic'

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The battle Kellen Thames waged last season started in public with cramping issues that limited his ability to play and at one point left him crumpled on the court at Illinois State unable to move.

But it was later, behind closed doors at medical offices, that things turned especially dark. However, Thames did not let doctors dictate the narrative, at least not the one in his head.

The SLU guard received a diagnosis that did not bode well for his future. Yet, he continued to practice with the Billikens and participate in warmups for games he wouldn’t play, showing off his insane athleticism with dunking displays for the fans.