For 18-year-old Kevin Grow, last night was one to remember.
The high school senior who was born with Down syndrome was signed to the Philadelphia 76ers on a special two-day contract after a YouTube video showcasing his knack for making three-pointers went viral. It was Grow’s last game as the team manager for Bensalem High School basketball team.
“The entire team was thrilled to have Kevin Grow on board, from the Sixers President of Basketball Operations Sam Hinkie, to head coach Brett Brown, who sat next to Kevin on center court as he signed his contract,” said 76ers' public relations director Michael Preston.
Grow attended his first practice as Sixer on Monday night, where he ate a pre-practice meal with the players, participated in stretching and played one-on-one with Sixers guard Evan Turner.
And on game night, Grow was surprised with a personalized jersey and his own locker in the Sixers locker room.
His sister Laura told NBA.com, “By far, Kevin's favorite team is the Sixers, and he was so excited just to be able to come down here and see practice. But to be a part of the team, and when we got downstairs to see all the media there, it was even more of a surprise. This whole thing's just taken a mind of its own, and it's just such a neat experience."
As the game began, Twitter lit up with excitement on behalf of the newest 76er.
Grow was all smiles as the crowd chanted his name when he and his high school basketball team were introduced on court.
The Sixers insisted on including one special clause in Grow’s contract … he has to remain a Sixers fan for life.