Inspiring story for basketball fans - autism

[kellyds]

I thought this might be of interest here, although the boy has autism, not DS. My husband watched this video four times. What this boy did would be amazing, even if he didn't have any special needs.

There are four video clips. I think the best one is the one called, "Autistic Team's Hoop Dreams".

I watched it full screen and it warmed my heart to notice, when the boy was "put in" the game, his teammates and people in the crowd all cheered, even BEFORE he made the astounding baskets.

www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/23/earlyshow/main1339324.shtml

[Emilysmom]

VERY cool story!!!

[andrewsmom]

Awww... the video wouldn't work for me but I really enjoyed reading the story. My older son plays basketball and he was impressed reading it too!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
-Trisha

[ValerieC]

You should have warned us to get our tissus ready.

[andrewsmom]

Kelly....This story was on my local news last night! His father was interviewed and said the family now has to hire an attorney because they are getting so many phone calls from producers all over the country (including Disney) to make a movie of this young man's life. I was so happy for them!! Thanks for sharing!!!
-Trisha

[Kristen]

I saw this on ESPN when I was at the gym last night. I grabbed the guy on the eliptical next to me and said "Look at that! He has autism, are you seeing that?" I get too excited sometimes. The guys at the news desk were talking about it too, saying that this should be an example to everyone how a kid with special needs should be treated. The one admitted to crying when he first saw it and both noted how enthusiastic and supportive the crowd was and how wonderful that is. Truly heartwarming.

[cindylou]

My husband and I had the same response when seeing this (maybe 18 years of marriage makes you think alike). Amazing-happy for the kid BUT-

Why the last game of the season? The kid must've been shooting 3 pointers at every practice?? Why is the coach a hero NOW , when in my NTBHO the kid should've been playing at least a few minutes in every game of the year! For CRYING OUT LOUDD!! The kid is gifted--WHY NOT TREAT HIM LIKE AN EQUAL!

anybody else think the same thing?? or am I just
being negative?? sounds pretty negative I guess. I am happy for the kid..

[Kristen]

I can see that point of view, but I don't know...did he feel not able to play with the pressure up until now, did the parents think it was not a god idea, did he just express interest recently...the list of questions goes on. I got that he was the team manager and this just sorta came up. I wish I coudl find a whole article on it!

[Connie]

This is a neat story!!!

Cindy, no I don't think you are being negative. Your just throwing something out there and giving us food for thought.

I might kick myself later for doing this but I'm going to throw the 2nd course out.

Here's my take on this....I don't think the boy was actually good enough to make the team but the coach was impressed enough with him to put him on as team manager. He wanted to keep him involved. The young man rose to the occassion!!! Did what he was suppose to for the team and practiced with them. I think the coach saw all of his hard work and instead of putting another player on in the opening on their roster, gave him a shot. And it payed off for all of them in a big way. Do I think the coach is a hero...NO. I just think he is an individual that could have written a boy off with special needs and didn't.

Connie

[kellyds]

I wondered all of those same things and just sort of made up my own story. :-) I figured no one had ever thought to give him a chance . . . maybe he just chased the others' balls during practices. But, he probably practiced on his own, at home.

Or, maybe this is a one-time thing and God just used him to teach a bunch of lessons that night.

[cindylou]

Well--All I know is that I am using the article in my upcoming placement meeting for Kaylee. A friend of the boy is quoted as saying

"He's a cool kid," says guard Levar Goff. "You just get to know him, get used to being around him. A couple of weeks ago, he missed practice because he was sick. You feel different when he's not around. He brings humor and life to the team."

and I asked some other 6th graders to come to the meeting and give their opinion about the school sending Kaylee to a different junior High from all her friends (and into a self-contained class)..so I think this quote along with Andrew, Cody, Daniel, Julia and Brittany voicing how unfair they think it is to send Kaylee "away" so to speak - should have a good influence.

just would've liked to hear he played a few minutes in every game his senior year...not just the last few of the last game..

[momofrussell]

I read elsewhere that he was hired on as a manager and would practice alot when no one else was around.. the coach didn't know how well he could play or would have played him earlier in the season. That is what I read....don't know how accurate this is... but just wanted to share...

Connie... I like your take on it

A.