Michael McCarthy has a great article in Wednesday's USA Today about Kevin Laue, a 19-year-old who was born without his left hand and forearm but has nonetheless earned a Division I college basketball scholarship at Manhattan College.
The 6-foot-11 Laue, who cites former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott as a personal hero, told USA Today he hopes people who see him play become inspired by what he's overcome:
"Maybe me playing with one hand inspires others to try to work harder toward their goals. Or their dreams. I hope it does inspire them. I hope I can help them in any way I can."But Laue isn't just a feel-good story. His teammate Rico Pickett says, "He's a good player just like any other players. I don't see him as any different."
The first time Laue takes the floor for Manhattan, it's likely that everyone watching will see him as different: It's not every day you see an NCAA player with one hand. But Laue, who averaged 10 points and five rebounds a game last year at Fork Union Military Academy, won't need much time on the floor before he shows everyone that Pickett is right: He's just like any other player.
