There is really little to add to this story.

Sam Anderson never hesitated. Not for a moment.

The walk-on forward for the University of Houston knew the decision most likely would end his basketball career, but Anderson knew the man at the other end of the phone — his cousin, Steven Anderson, 46 — was desperate for help, and that's all that mattered.

Steven Anderson's health was rapidly deteriorating because of renal failure, so one day he thought of Sam and picked up the phone. It was his only option, and Steven had put off this phone call as long as possible.

After all, everyone in the Anderson family knew how much Sam loved basketball. It had been Sam's haven as a child back home in Detroit, a refuge from the cold realities of the streets, where friends were devoured by drugs and violence.

But Sam Anderson didn't hesitate -- he said yes to his cousin almost before the question was out of his mouth. It may (but may not) be the end of his basketball career -- but the beginning of something much more important, a healthy life for his cousin.

And by way of explanation, I put that "may not" up there for a reason. During my first year of teaching, one of our students gave a kidney to her sister, and then returned to be a starter on the basketball team the following year, and even received a college scholarship to play basketball. I hope that Sam Anderson can do the same. But even if he can't, the UH program offers him support.

Cougars coach Tom Penders said that the door always will be open for Sam Anderson, as a player or even if he wants to start coaching.

Anything to help "one of the most remarkable" people Penders has met.

"This is one of the greatest stories I've ever seen," Penders said. "All I can say is that Sam is going to heaven before I do."

Now there is a coach with his priorities in order.

Posted by: Greg at 01:12 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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