Boy With Down Syndrome Sinks a 3 With the Harlem Globetrotters

ABC Entertainment News | ABC Business News

by ABC News:
Another dream came true for a Pennsylvania teenager with Down syndrome when he took to the court with the world famous Harlem Globetrotters.
Kevin Grow, 18, of Bensalem, Pa., scored a three-pointer alongside the Globetrotters in front of a hometown crowd Sunday night at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.
Click HERE to Read More About Kevin
The three-point basket was especially poignant for Grow, who became a viral star last month thanks to a YouTube video that showed him sinking four three-point shots in the final two minutes of his high school’s senior night basketball game, leading the team to victory.
The video caught the eye of the Globetrotters who asked Grow, known by his teammates as KG3, to come play with his idols.
“He watches the Globetrotters religiously,” said his father Earl Grow.
“He’s always been a fan,” added his mother, Dorothy.
Grow hung out with the Globetrotters in the locker room before the game – performing some of the tricks they’re known for, like an under-the-leg dribble, right alongside them. But it’s not the first time he’s  hit the court with all-star basketball players.
Grow’s YouTube video also caught the eye of the Philadelphia 76ers who last month signed the high school player to a ceremonial two-day contract that gave him his own team locker, jersey and sneakers and a chance to warm up with the team and sit on the bench with the NBA team.
“Kids with special needs have a lot of abilities you don’t even know,” said Dorothy Grow.  “Don’t underestimate them.  Challenge them.”
“Make sure they can reach their full potential,” she said.

Globetrotters Sign 3-point Ace With Down Syndrome For Philadelphia Game

from CBS 3 Philly:

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kevin Grow, a high school senior with Down syndrome who became an Internet hit with his 3-point shooting, will play next month for the Harlem Globetrotters.

Grow will suit up for the Globetrotters in the fourth quarter of their March 9 game in Philadelphia. Grow, a devout Globetrotters fan from suburban Philadelphia, was added to the roster Tuesday as their 3-point specialist.

He signed a ceremonial two-day contract last week with the Philadelphia 76ers. He took part in pregame activities, and received a jersey.

The 18-year-old Grow spent four years as team manager of the Bensalem High School boys basketball team. He played in two games, hitting four 3-pointers in the final 2 minutes of his second one, and highlights went viral.

Sixers honor Bensalem basketball star Kevin Grow

frome 6 ABC Action News:

PHILADELPHIA - February 18, 2014 (WPVI) -- Bensalem basketball star Kevin Grow made his debut as part of the Philadelphia 76ers, after signing a two-day contract.

On Tuesday night, Grow was introduced on center court with his new teammates.
Before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the teen was outfitted with his own custom jersey and a stall in the team's locker-room.
It was another memorable night for an inspirational young man.
The Sixers announced Monday they were signing the senior to a ceremonial two-day contract.
Signing the two-day contract capped an amazing week-long run in the national spotlight for the Bensalem High School senior.
Last week, Action News' Jeff Skversky reported on the 18-year-old whose story garnered attention from around the Delaware Valley.
"We said two minutes and you take advantage of your two minutes of fame. His life will be changed forever," said Earl Grow, father.
The teen, who has Down Syndrome, was the high school team's manager for the last four years.
Then, his coach let him suit up for the final two games of the season.

It’s Official: Teen With Down Syndrome Signs Contract With The 76ers

by Steve Beck and Dan Wing from CBS 3 Philly:

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A Bucks County teen who became an internet sensation after his amazing performance on the basketball court signed a ceremonial contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 76ers announced that they would sign Bensalem High School senior Kevin Grow to a two-day contract Monday.

The contract was offered in-person by Sixers President of Basketball Operations & General Manager Sam Hinkie at the team’s practice facility.

Grow, who has Down syndrome, had been a team manager for the Bensalem boys basketball team for four years. But it’s what he did on senior night on the court that’s garnering all of the attention.

Kevin got to play, and when he did, he made magic happen.

“They put him in for the last two minutes and he started hitting three point shots and couldn’t miss,” Kevin’s mom said.

Kevin hit four 3-pointers in the last two minutes of the game to help beat Neshaminy 64-40.

Overnight, Grow became an internet sensation.

The 76ers made the big signing on Monday evening, as Grow was inked to a two-day ceremonial contract.

Sixers Head Coach Brett Brown seemed to warm up to his newest player pretty quick.

Brown – “Can you play defense?”

Kevin – “I can play defense, yes.”

Brown – “I know you can shoot, but you can play defense too?”

Kevin – “Yeah.”

Brown – “I say we give him a three-day contract.”

With that, Kevin signed on the dotted line and was handed his practice uniform. But before he could hit the floor, Coach Brown let the inspiring teen know that the team needed his help.

Brown – “You’re going to teach our young guys how to hold your follow through, and how to shoot like you shoot.”

Kevin – “Okay.”

Brown – “Can you do that?”

Kevin – “Yeah.”

Brown – “I know you can. We welcome you to the team man. Thank you for coming.”

Kevin – “Thank you so much.”