Austin Hatch conditionally released to begin practicing; UPDATE: video from practice

Submitted by Raoul on

Great news from UMHoops. Quote from a Hatch family spokesman:

Austin Hatch has been conditionally released by his medical team to begin practicing with the Canterbury High School basketball program. The first official practice is today, however, Austin is limited to the types of drills he can participate in at this time. Although everyone is encouraged by the progress he continues to make, Austin and his family ask that you do not approach him for interviews at this time.

Some further info from Baumgardner:

Nick Baumgardner @nickbaumgardner

To piggyback off @UMhoops report, Hatch family spokesman says it's still not determined whether Austin will play HS bball this season.

Hatch family and folks at Canterbury are still taking it day by day, but say Austin is making great progress.

Baumgardner followed up with this article: Michigan recruit Austin Hatch cleared to practice, still unsure if he'll play prep hoops this season

The family spokesman said Hatch would be participating in "about half" of his teams drills Monday, which is the first day Indiana high school basketball teams are able to practice.

It's still unclear if Hatch will play this season for Canterbury.

"We're taking each day as it comes," the spokesman said. "He's making great progress, but we're not looking any further than today."


UPDATE: Below is a WANE-TV video with clips of Austin Hatch practicing with his team yesterday, plus an interview with his high school coach, taken from this page: Hatch, Cavs Return To Practice Floor

He looks good in the video, especially considering all he's been through.

There's also a second video on the page, with a longer interview with the coach (with his team practicing in the background) in which he talks a bit more about Hatch, starting around the 2:48 mark.

brandanomano

November 5th, 2012 at 5:16 PM ^

This kid is a warrior. I really hope he gets a chance to play Michigan basketball, even if he's one of the guys who rarely gets playing time. I'll cry like a bitch if he goes onto the court in uniform to a standing ovation.

ppToilet

November 5th, 2012 at 6:37 PM ^

this kid a really tough hand and his resilience is amazing, inspirational and all the other adjectives noted already.

I look forward to the day that we can cheer him on in a Michigan uniform.

Tater

November 5th, 2012 at 7:22 PM ^

If Austin Hatch never plays another minute of competitive basketball, he has still beaten some of the most horrendous odds imaginable.  I never thought he would even make it to the point where playing was an option.  I hope he makes it all the way back, too, but if he walks out of the University of Michigan someday as "Dr Hatch," I will be exceedingly happy for him.

LSAClassOf2000

November 5th, 2012 at 8:49 PM ^

Another great chapter in Hatch's recovery is starting now, and hopefully he gets all the time he needs. I believe Beilein said that the team will honor the scholarship whenever he arrives, which is great. This kid will get a standing ovation when he gets to Crisler, and deservedly so- I hope to be there for it, because I know I won't be the only one who is wondering who brought the onions. There is no denying that Hatch is resiliant and a fighter and I wish him the best of luck in his continued recovery. 

PB-J Time

November 6th, 2012 at 10:21 AM ^

Great post. Can I get some clarification please? I know that some rules were bent and he was allowed extra high school eligibility. Does that end this year? He starts at U-M next year? Presumably he would be redshirted to give hime the longest possible time for recovery so we can hope to see this resiliant young man suited up in fall 2014?