Sam Mayes is being eased back into pre-season training after overcoming a sore Achilles.

Mayes has spent the first week in Flagstaff with the rehab group, but took his first steps towards recovery at the team’s most recent training session at North Arizona University.

“I’ve been in rehab with the Achilles. I had my first run and blew up a bit – it’s a bit different running over here,” Mayes told LIONS TV.

“It was good to finally have a run and get the cobwebs out.”

The Lions’ reigning Rookie of the Year is now looking forward to getting involved in more of the team’s activities during the second half of the camp – which could include his first trek up Mt Humphreys.

“Hopefully (I get the green light) to go up Mt Humphreys next week,” he said.

“The NBA is another thing I’m looking forward to. I’ve always followed basketball so am looking forward to watching the Suns play Brooklyn.

“I think Brooklyn will win – they’ve got a pretty good side this year.”