Medical condition forces BYU hoops signee Emery's early mission release

Nick Emery, the former Lone Peak High basketball star who signed with BYU in 2013 prior to an LDS Church mission to Germany, is returning home due to a medical condition that likely requires surgery. Emery's brother, former BYU star Jackson Emery, posted on Twitter that Nick is coming home Wednesday night from Frankfurt, Germany. Also, Emery's Facebook page posted this explanation Wednesday evening: "Elder Emery has recently been dealing with worsening conditions of thoracic outlet syndrome. He has undergone testing and examinations and several doctors and specialists have been consulted about his condition. His mission president, President Stoddard (a medical doctor) and area church medical doctors concluded that he needs to have treatment sooner than later to correct these issues or they will continue to worsen. Elder Emery has been given a medical release and will be returning home on Wednesday, August 6 for treatment which may possibly include surgery. He should make a full recovery and we ask that you remember him in your prayers." The Mayo Clinic's website describes TOS this way: "Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when the blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) become compressed. This can cause pain in your shoulders and neck and numbness in your fingers.Common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome include physical trauma from a car accident, repetitive injuries from job- or sports-related activities, certain anatomical defects (such as having an extra rib), and pregnancy. Sometimes doctors can't determine the cause of thoracic outlet syndrome.Treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome usually involves physical therapy and pain relief measures. Most people improve with these approaches. In some cases, however, your doctor may recommend surgery."

BYU basketball spokesperson Kyle Chilton was unaware of the development when contacted Wednesday evening. It is obviously way too early to project when, or if, Emery will continue his basketball career. The 6-foot-1 guard left for his scheduled two-year mission in May of 2013. At Lone Peak, he led the Knights to a national championship in 2013 (MaxPreps.com) and was one of the most prolific scorers in state history.