Nuggets ‘Average Joes’ dancer returns to the court after battle with West Nile [Video]

DENVER – When Denver7 spoke with Jonathan Maness last October, it was a few months after a mosquito bite had sent him to the emergency room. The effects of West Nile left him paralyzed for weeks.

“I think the first two months, everybody asked me, ‘How’s recovery going?’ There was no progress,” Maness said of the physical therapy efforts to regain his ability to walk.

Back then, he was counting down the days until he could return to his normal, active lifestyle. Now, he’s counting steps, back in the dance studio with his second family, The Nuggets Dance Team, The Average Joes.

“It’s great. These guys were amazing. They’re like a family. They really are,” said Maness of his first time back dancing with the guys. “My knee buckled when I first went out there and I had to go back to using a cane again. But you know, they cheered me on.”

The Average Joes were launched …