Ramos, Recovering From Car Crash Injuries, Visits Trail Blazers

Practice was winding down Monday, and the Portland Trial Blazers gathered in a circle at midcourt. Ramon Ramos, a surprise guest, rose from his wheelchair and joined them. It was the first time Ramos, the Trail Blazer rookie who is recovering from massive head injuries suffered in a December auto accident, had returned to the Coliseum and met with his teammates. Ramos smiled broadly, shook hands, attempted to speak and posed for a team picture.

His father, Ramon Sr., said it was doubtful that Ramos will be given permission to leave the Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon to attend tonight’s Game 5 of the NBA’s Western Conference finals.

But Monday was a special day for Ramos and the Trail Blazers.

“He was so alert, and he recognized everybody,” Portland Coach Rick Adelman said. “When he came into the locker room before practice, I expected him to be in a wheelchair. But he walked in. It surprised me and the players, too.

“Just to see the look in Ramon’s eyes was worth it. It was joy. He was alive and smiling.” The Trail Blazers, downcast after losing both weekend games in Phoenix, said they did not consider Ramos’ visit as merely an inspiration for tonight’s game. They said it goes beyond that.

“It’s really hard to put it into that game context,” guard Terry Porter said. “But, definitely, it was a big lift for us and for him. It took us away from our series and back to reality, to realize what life is all about. But we’re an emotional team, and this has to give us a lift.”

Said Buck Williams: “More than anything, I think it helped Ramon in his recovery. He’s been a basketball player all his life, and I’m sure it did him good to come back to where they play basketball.”

Ramos, who came out of a coma five weeks ago, had taken only one previous trip outside his rehabilitation center. Ramos left the Coliseum before the end of practice.