Not even cancer can keep Alex Pledger away from the basketball court.
The former Tall Black and Breakers player is suiting up for the Southland Sharks tomorrow night in the New Zealand NBL, just three months after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Pledger's likely to play a couple of minutes, but he doesn't have any expectations.
"Overall, pretty happy that I've got myself to a point where I can suit up and take to court."
He is encouraging Kiwis to get checked if things aren't quite right when going to the toilet.
Pledger says he's learnt that bowel cancer is uncommon for his age, but he's living proof that it's possible.
He says New Zealanders need to get rid of the 'she'll be right' attitude, and go to the doctor if you're worried.
"It's not an old person thing. The symptoms I was feeling don't automatically mean worst case scenario, but early detection is the best cure there is."Â
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