Agent says player is improving

MANATEE — Former Alabama standout point guard Mikhail Torrance, who collapsed during a workout Aug. 20 at Bradenton’s IMG Academies, is making steady improvement, his agent posted on Twitter.com.

Torrance is in serious but stable condition in the intensive care unit at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Kim Savage, a Sarasota Memorial Hospital spokeswoman, said Sunday.

The basketball player, who had signed a contract to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel after he went undrafted in the NBA draft, was able to walk with assistance recently, Happy Walters reported recently on Twitter.

“Great news on Mikhail Torrance,” Walters wrote. “He walked today! He had assistance, but he followed commands. He knows his right from his left, and he is recognizing some things.”

It is not officially known what caused the collapse. But Fanhouse.com reported Torrance suffered a heart attack. That web site also reported Torrance might have surgery to implant a device to protect him from having another heart attack.

“He will be able to leave ICU and go to a private room,” Walters wrote. “He is starting to focus on objects. Doctors pinched him and he grimaced, an improvement from a few days ago when he showed no emotions. He is improving every day. A therapist is working with him.”

This story was originally published August 30, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Agent says player is improving."