Austin Hatch scores against Wayne State
At the game in Crisler. Austin Hatch just checked into the game. The bench stood up in anticipation every time Austin touched the ball. With less than a minute left Austin got fouled and missed his first free throw. After a deep breath and a second with his eyes closed, Austin put the ball straight through the rim, nothing but net.
It's unbelievable to think that just 3 short years after surviving his 2nd plane crash, after relearning how to breathe, eat, and walk, Austin has scored in a Division 1 basketball game. Amazing credit to Austin as a person and credit to John Beilein for giving him the opportunity. Go Blue
November 10th, 2014 at 9:10 PM ^
moment. well done. chills.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:05 PM ^
WELL THEN LET'S TURN THIS ONE INTO A POSBANG!
November 10th, 2014 at 9:05 PM ^
One of the best moments I've ever watched.
November 11th, 2014 at 1:11 AM ^
ever for Michigan Basketball, but I missed it.
2nd chances are great, though---the game will be televised Tuesday on BTN at 10:30 pm.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:06 PM ^
for him. Its amazing that he is even alive let alone playing Div 1 hoops.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:06 PM ^
Awesome moment - one of many to come...
November 10th, 2014 at 9:08 PM ^
Glad the kid is apart of the program. Happy to have him aboard in any capacity.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:08 PM ^
This is a great moment.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:09 PM ^
Man, It feels like an eternity waiting for him to step on to the court in the Maize and Blue.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:10 PM ^
This is what sports are all about.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:10 PM ^
I was watching the end on the computer and I thought it was so cool to see Hatch score. Made me a little teary eyed.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:13 PM ^
November 10th, 2014 at 9:17 PM ^
Used 2 b ok at basketball. Some bad stuff happened & now I'm not as good. At Michigan, we aim high and we believe. I'll NEVER quit working!
— Austin Hatch (@AustinHatch30) September 6, 2013
November 10th, 2014 at 10:09 PM ^
He works out every morning at four, that's called dedication.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:10 PM ^
see how his teammates and coaches react.
November 11th, 2014 at 11:55 AM ^
indeed
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November 10th, 2014 at 9:11 PM ^
How awesome for him! I can't wait to see his progress over the next few years. I'm not expecting him to start and dominate but if he can contribute at a reasonable level it would be unbelievable.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:12 PM ^
I couldn't imagine going through what Austin Hatch has. When I think of Beilein's character, I don't have to look much further than the way he honored his scholarship. I could not be prouder to have this young man on the team. He provides such a huge source of inspiration of team that goes beyond words. The hug between him and Beilein was such a heartwarming moment and choked me up a bit.
Could not be prouder to be a Wolverine tonight.
November 10th, 2014 at 10:21 PM ^
I am proud that JB is here, I am proud AH is here, and I am glad we ae not the SEC!
November 10th, 2014 at 9:11 PM ^
Such a great moment. God bless Beilein, Hatch and Michigan Basketball.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:12 PM ^
This sums up how I felt when he made the freethrow...
November 10th, 2014 at 9:12 PM ^
I had to re read the OP. I thought he went Jordan and shot the free throw with his eyes closed!
November 10th, 2014 at 9:13 PM ^
One of the best stories in sports. That Beilein kept his word and allowed Austin to come and play makes this movie-worthy.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:13 PM ^
Austin! What an inspirational story.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:13 PM ^
Great to see Hatch get in the game!
November 10th, 2014 at 9:20 PM ^
Austin hatch led the victors in the locker room after the game
— Chris Balas (@Balas_Wolverine) November 11, 2014
November 10th, 2014 at 9:23 PM ^
That was great to watch.....makes you very proud of this coach and the program he's built.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:28 PM ^
What a moment. Is someone chopping really strong onions next to me?
November 10th, 2014 at 9:35 PM ^
Every time he hits the court the announcers are going to go into the same story, and every single time it's going to move me, so proud he plays for us.
I'd love to see him contributing regularly in a few years, I think if anyone has the work ethic and drive it's Austin, and if there's any coach I'd pick to develop a player it's Beilein...let's see how this one goes, he should also know if he goes to the NBA theres a Disney movie in it for him
November 10th, 2014 at 9:45 PM ^
Great moment for Austin and the team. Hopefully the first of many.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:48 PM ^
It really makes me proud to root for these two teams. Beilein and RR, two great Michigan Coaches from WVa. Beat the Terps!
November 10th, 2014 at 9:50 PM ^
Austin's story was so tragic -- so almost unbelievably tragic...I recall reading his story way back when for the first time and thinking, "No way...that couldn't possibly have happened!" It's great to see this young man on a basketball court, in a Michigan uniform, and it's great to see him get a much-deserved standing ovation. Kid's been to hell and back, for sure. I wish him all the best.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:53 PM ^
Dusty? Dusty.
Go Blue
November 10th, 2014 at 10:16 PM ^
There just aren't very many programs in the country where this sort of thing can happen. Can anyone see Tom Crean or Thad Matta honoring that scholarship and then hugging him after he scores his first point? I don't think so.
November 10th, 2014 at 10:31 PM ^
will go down as one of, if not our top, basketball coach ever. The man is everything you'd want to have as a coach for your child. And his coaching skills are pretty darned good too! :)
November 10th, 2014 at 10:14 PM ^
Congratulations to my fellow Fort Wayne native Austin Hatch.
November 10th, 2014 at 10:37 PM ^
I creyed
November 10th, 2014 at 10:24 PM ^
So what was his ceiling before the injury and is he able to ever get up to that level again? Seems like he's made incredible progress so far!
November 10th, 2014 at 11:50 PM ^
I would like to know this as well. Just in an objective fashion, how far back did he get set back with his injury?
November 11th, 2014 at 12:28 AM ^
He's coming back from much more than an injury. There have been many postings you can find by clicking the tag link above, but here's an MLive story Brian linked to back in August.
He was recruited here in the normal course of being a talented young basketball player from Indiana, and committed. Then things happened. Worth a read to learn more.
November 10th, 2014 at 10:36 PM ^
Sports story of the year? I think so, too. I hope we get to see many more out of him.
Stories like this are an ever present reminder that we rarely ever have it as bad as we think we do. If Austin Hatch can survive two plane crashes, the death of several loved ones, and still get himself back into physical and mental shape to play D1 basketball, what do we really have to complain about?
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November 10th, 2014 at 10:43 PM ^
Great post-game interview too! I was at the game tonight. Very special moment! The best part was seeing his teammates react and the hug he gave Coach B.
http://btn.com/2014/11/10/video-michigan-freshman-austin-hatch-will-nev…
November 10th, 2014 at 10:48 PM ^
I was so glad I was able to catch the end of the game. My eyes got really watery when I saw him hug the coaches.
November 11th, 2014 at 11:55 AM ^
I think there will be plenty more tissues this season...
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November 10th, 2014 at 11:12 PM ^
Austin:
"One, two, you know what to do!......."
Hail to the victors valiant.
November 10th, 2014 at 11:13 PM ^
Too good of a story! short and sweet... The Michigan Difference! Great story, gives me the chills
November 10th, 2014 at 11:13 PM ^
From Fort Wayne as well. Know Austin personally. Overjoyed for him !
November 10th, 2014 at 11:17 PM ^
Choked up. Great story.
November 10th, 2014 at 11:33 PM ^
Even if he never makes another Final Four or Elite Eight again (spoiler alert: he will) I would not trade Beilein for another coach in the country