Last month, Kent State center Kalin Bennett made history by becoming the first player with autism to score in a Division I college hoops game.
When the Rockets were in the school’s area a week ago to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston forward and renowned NBA ‘Sneaker King’ P.J. Tucker surprised Bennett and asked the 6-foot-11 freshman center to choose and sign his shoes for the upcoming game.
The 18-year-old Bennett signed Tucker’s shoes and added two inscriptions: “Never say can’t” and “There’s no such thing as can’t.” Bleacher Report documented their meeting on Bennett’s campus.
Houston Rockets star PJ Tucker surprised Kent State basketball player Kalin Bennett, who became the first D-I player with autism to score in a game earlier this year.
Bennett was able to choose and sign Tucker’s sneakers for his game. 🙌 (@statefarm)https://t.co/GvW73r7o3A pic.twitter.com/8uN677S48w
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 16, 2019
Regarding Bennett and his inspiring life story, Tucker said:
His story is super relatable to anybody, almost. Anybody that has struggles in life to try to attain a goal, to have that type of perseverance. To be like, ‘You know what, I’m still going to chase my dream and do what I want to do.’ I think it’s amazing.
Now 18-9, the Rockets won that game at Cleveland, with the 34-year-old Tucker — in shoes signed and inscribed by Bennett — hitting the dagger three-pointer to secure the victory in the final 40 seconds.
🚀 CLUTCH 3 #AssistOfTheGame 🚀@BBVA_USA | #CreatingOpportunities pic.twitter.com/F4KeTnVDYE
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 12, 2019
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