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After a back injury almost ended his career, Ben Emelogu is finishing his time at SMU on his own terms

UNIVERSITY PARK -- Ben Emelogu used to lay up late at night, his bed offering as much comfort as a wooden plank.

Eventually, he'd find a way to shut off his mind and drift away. Within 15 minutes, a searing pain travelling down the left side of his back would jolt him back to consciousness.

As he repeated this process hour after hour, day after day, the doubt crept in for Emelogu: "Will I ever play basketball again?"

Coming home

Basketball was a life-long endeavor for Emelogu, who will be honored Wednesday night in Moody Coliseum as he plays his last home game at SMU.