The biggest story in college basketball this year is the outstanding play of Gonzaga player Adam Morrison. It’s not just because the man is averaging 28 point a game or because he hits unbelievable clutch shots. It’s because of the amazing story behind him and what he goes through just to be able to play the game he loves.The best player in college basketball has diabetes. It’s not something you hear very often. Adam Morrison needs to have insulin with him at pretty much all times except for during games. During games, he gets his blood checked whenever he’s on the bench to make sure his sugar level is right. How many athletes have to worry about their life at the same time they’re worrying about a game. All of this has made Adam become a role model for all kids who are battling diabetes. In fact, after Sports Illustrated did an article on Adam, over 50 parents contacted Gonzaga university and asked if Adam could talk to their children.
Adam’s outstanding play isn’t the only thing that makes him a role model. Last summer, his father and him organized a H-O-R-S-E tournament to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. Do athlete role models get any better than this? I would have to say no.
The amazing thing about this story is that Adam Morrison might be one of the best college basketball players ever and he doesn’t ever need to be. He would be just as great of role model and inspiration to diabetic kids if we just an average player. He’s not though. He’s guiding of the 8th best team in the country to success and leads the nation in scoring by over 3 points a game. Not to mention he is shooting over 52% from the floor and over 40% from behind the arc. It also doesn’t hurt to have two 43 point games against Michigan State and Washington, two of the best teams in the nation.
Adam Morrison is an unbelievable basketball player. Adam Morrison suffers from a life-threatening disease that he has to monitor constantly, even during games. He’s an inspiration to not only diabetic kids, but to anyone out there who feels like a disability is holding them back from chasing their dream. Charles Barkley preaches how kids shouldn’t use athletes as role models. Usually I would agree with that, but not in this case. It’s near impossible to root against Adam and I wish nothing but the best for him in the future.