I know some of us have our differences

But I think we can all agree, this is a great story

Hoop Hero


(Jason McElwain)
Video: Low : High
2/17/2006 6:00 PM
(Dave Yates, WROC-TV)

Last night, we showed the amazing video of an autistic kid who did the unthinkable at a recent Greece Athena basketball game. He scored 20 points in the last four minutes. Dave Yates sat down with this young star about what seems like a fairy tale dream.

It really doesn't get much better than this, a true example of how sports can create a positive experience. It was the type of story a Hollywood studio would dream up. The team manager comes off the bench and scores in his final home game. But Greece Athena senior Jason McElwain made this dream a reality and then some, scoring 20 points

"My first shot was an airball, by a lot. Then I missed a layup and then as soon as the first shot went in and then the second shot, as soon as that went in I just started to catch fire," says Jason.

Like any good Hollywood story, this one has a twist. Not only had Jason never played in varsity game before, he's also autistic.

"This is the first moment Jason has ever succeeded and proud of himself. I look at autism as the Berlin Wall, he cracked it," says Jason's mom, Debbie McElwain.

"I've had a lot of thrills in coaching and I've coached alot of wonderful kids, but I've never experienced something like this ever in my life, you know other than my own personal family things. My emotions, I couldn't stop crying," says Athena head coach Jim Johnson.

Getting to this point hasn't been easy for Jason. His autism is a condition that has made some people uncomfortable to be around him. Obviously the kids at Athena don't feel that way

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

Jason's accomplishment on the court was nice, but he's not done yet.

"If Jason gets a high school diploma, that will be my biggest success."

Jason said that when they lifted him up on their shoulders after the game he felt great...kinda like the way he made everyone around him feel. He wants to dedicate that game to all the graduating seniors at Athena.

 

Definitely awesome, but my first thought after seeing him on Sportscenter was why the coach hadn't given him a chance earlier. The guy can shoot.

 

Wow... it is a bit of a heart warmer. I wonder if there's video at ESPN.com?? I'll check.

EDIT- Yup at the right it says something about "The Most Unlikely 3 Point Threat"

 

I just saw the highlights.

From working with several autistic children in clinic, ranging from pretty low functioning to higher ups, it truly was great to see the video clip of that game. Even better was the support he got from his fellow students.

 

THATS WHAT I WAS THINKING..coach might be kicking himself in the ass this morning.

 

He had a better night than Redick did last night.

 

of course, redick is an avg player at best

 

great story