Nets’ star Harris pays visit to stricken Kearny man Muniz

December 11th, 2009

By Jim Hague

WEST ORANGE – Victor Muniz was going through another rigorous physical therapy session at the Kessler Rehabilitation Institute last Thursday afternoon, the second of the day.

It’s a two-a-day workout routine that the 22-year-old Muniz has become accustomed to, ever since the freak accident near West Hudson Park last June that had the Kearny native trapped under a giant tree during a nasty thunderstorm, an accident that left Muniz paralyzed from the waist down.

But on Thursday, things were just a little different, when Muniz recognized the face that entered his second floor wing while he was going through his therapy exercise.

“I told my therapist I had to go,” Muniz said. “Because Devin Harris was here to see me.”

That’s right, the New Jersey Nets’ standout point guard paid a visit to Muniz at Kessler Thursday, a meeting that was arranged by The Observer through Nets’ senior vice-president/chief relationship officer Leo Ehrline.

Ehrline was informed of Muniz’ plight and he arranged to have a Nets player pay a visit to Muniz.

And who better could visit the former point guard and captain of the Kearny High School basketball team than the current point guard and floor leader of the Nets?

“Here’s a guy like Devin Harris, an NBA star, coming to see a guy like me,” Muniz said. “I mean, you don’t get a chance to see him, unless he’s on TV or unless you have tickets. But even then, it’s far away. I got a chance to sit and have a conversation with him about anything. It was great.”

Muniz told Harris the story of that fateful night, when he was simply walking through West Hudson Park as a shortcut to get home, ironically after watching the NBA Finals.

“I don’t know what happened, but the tree broke and I was under the tree for like 15 minutes,” Muniz told Harris. “It took like six people to move the tree and get me out, but I already broke my spine.

Added Muniz, “The next day, the doctors told me that I was paralyzed. I didn’t believe it until I heard it the fourth time. But then I said, `Well, that’s life. That’s what God wanted for me.’”

Muniz told Harris that when the accident first happened, “I couldn’t move at all.”

But through the hard work and dedication of the great people at Kessler, Muniz is getting better. He has movement in his arms. His hands are improving with every passing day. He is learning to care for himself more and more.

“I’ve come a long way,” Muniz said. “I’ve learned to wheel myself around. I’ve never had a bad day since I’ve been here. It’s never been negative. I was first upset how it all happened, but I’ve realized that it’s just one of those things. Stuff happens.”

Harris, who came to the Nets last year from the Dallas Mavericks as part of the trade that sent Jason Kidd to Dallas, talked to Muniz about a variety of topics. After all, they aren’t far removed in age _ Harris is 25 _ and they shared the same position on the floor, namely point guard.

Muniz asked Harris what it was like to play against Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat, who admittedly is Muniz’ favorite player. Harris said that he not only played against Wade in the NBA, but the two squared off when Harris was at the University of Wisconsin and Wade was attending Marquette.

Muniz knew a lot about Harris’ career, recalling Harris’ best game in the NBA with ease, knowing that Harris left Wisconsin early to apply for the NBA Draft.

“I left early because my Mom told me it was time,” said Harris, who was drafted fifth overall by the Mavericks four years ago.

Harris asked Muniz what his plans were.

“I’m looking for a girl,” Muniz laughed. “But there aren’t many around here. Maybe I can find a cute therapist.”

The two continued to chat like old friends for almost an hour. Harris presented Muniz with an autographed pair of his sneakers. It turned out to be a meeting that could last a lifetime.

“Victor’s been dealt with a difficult hand and yet, he’s still living with it,” Harris said. “It was definitely a freakish accident. He’s in great spirits. It’s a sad situation, but he’s learned to deal with it. It’s great to see him in great spirits. He’s having fun and being himself. It was great to see. So many other people feel sorry for themselves and don’t try to get better. Victor has from Day One accepted what happened and has been dealing with it. He wants to move forward. You never know what can happen in just a minute. It’s very sad.”

Harris said that he was motivated and uplifted by visiting with Muniz.

“I’m definitely glad that I met him,” Harris said. “He really was an inspiration and makes you realize that you can’t take the simple things for granted.”

Harris invited Muniz to attend a Nets’ game when his rehabilitation at Kessler is done and he’s able to go back home.

One of Muniz’ best friends at Kessler, an Army veteran named Nathan DeWalt from Pennsylvania, was able to go home right at the same time Harris was visiting Thursday.

“There’s a sense of sadness that I’m saying goodbye to him,” Muniz said. “We’ve been together since I got here. We’re best friends now. We hit it off from the minute I got here and we hang together every day. I’m going to miss him. We’re planning on going to Florida on a vacation together.”

Muniz said that he was floored when he realized Harris was visiting him.

“It made me feel great,” Muniz said. “I mean, for a pro star like that to take the time off of his busy schedule to come and see me? It’s the beginning of the season, where they’re practicing, lifting weights, shooting, and he took the time out of that schedule to come here. I loved every minute of it. He’s a good guy. It was amazing that he was here.

Added Muniz, “He was himself. He didn’t have the big ego. He came in here and hung out with me. We talked about normal stuff. It was great. There aren’t a lot of pro athletes who would do that for someone like me.”

Muniz said that it feels good that there are so many people who still care about him.

“No one has forgotten about me,” Muniz said. “I have so many friends who do so much for me. It shows how people care by how big their hearts are.”

Muniz continues to work toward two goals _ going home and walking again. His return home is eminent.

“I’m going to be OK, as soon as I can go home,” Muniz said. “I’ve been away for four months and through that time, people in Kearny have been praying for me, thinking about me and that’s kept me going. I’m definitely going to walk again. I’m never giving up on that. God has enabled me to work hard in therapy and I have for three hours a day. I was in bad shape when I got here, but I’m better now.”

And not once has Muniz’ spirits wavered.

“I swear, I’m never negative,” Muniz said. “I have so much help from my friends. They’re always here and they’re always caring for me. It’s like I’ve been home. The only difference is that I’m in the hospital. But that’s going to change soon.”

Muniz said that he plans on returning home to Kearny within a month or so.

“Then, I’ll take a little vacation,” Muniz said.

Harris made sure that he will keep in touch with Muniz and hopes to see him at a game very soon.

“It was very uplifting for me to meet him,” Muniz said. “To see a star like that come here? It’s amazing. Maybe we helped each other.”

Could very well be.