This is the kind of story that makes your heart full and your eyes well up with tears. It’s a Rudy-esque tale about a kid with autism. It’s the story of Jason McElwain, and it’s so good that the movie studios are already lining up to make a movie about him.
Jason McElwain is the waterboy for his high school basketball team, and he’s also their biggest fan. Because Jason is a senior and the team’s most ardent supporter, the coach decided to let him suit-up with the team for the last home game of the season. Then, the coach actually let him play for the last four minutes of the game. As Jason goes into the game, the fans hit their feet and roar with excitement. This much of the story is enough for the makings of a great movie, but what happened next makes it even better.
When Jason hits the court, he starts shooting the basketball. He misses two shots right off the bat—one jump shot, one lay-up. On his third shot, he drains a three-pointer, and the crowd goes absolutely nuts. He then proceeds to drop five more three-pointers, finishes the game with 20 points, and ties the school record for most three-pointers in a game.
As the buzzer sounds, the student body rushes the floor and carries Jason off the court in triumph.
I know this sounds too fantastic to believe, so I would encourage you to see for yourself. Someone videotaped the game. Greatness.
CBS News – “Autistic Teen’s Hoop Dreams” (video)
ABC News – “Hoop Dreams for Autistic Student” (video)
5 Comments
Anonymous
Small correction. He didn’t tie the school record for the most points scored in a game. He tied the school record for most 3-pointers in a game.
revnace
Deny,
Didn’t read your article but did read your post on Jesus Creed. Dude, you’ve stuck to it. Congrats on the professorship. Meet Scot McKnight at the NPC in San Deigo. Cool guy who know Dr. Bock. Hope all is well.
Nace Lanier
D. Taylor Benton
One way or the other I wonder if the Coach is scratching his head in disarray and wondering why Jason hasn’t been playing all year! that is a good story and really shows how atheletics brings people together.
Denny Burk
Nace! You are the man. Shoot me an e-mail: dennyrburk@gmail.com.
Steve Hayes
Denny,
Check out the link to the espn story on this kid:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=2352763.
As the father of an Autistic child, I can’t stop crying when I see this story. You really can’t imagine how moving this is from my perspective. I feel closer to the Lord because of this. We’ve still got a long way to go with our boy, but this story gives me hope. Thanks for making it available on your blog.