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Indiana coach Tom Crean holds presser with fan battling ALS (Video)

Dec 31, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Tom Crean watches action as Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Tim Miles stands in the background at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Tom Crean watches action as Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Tim Miles stands in the background at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Head coach Tom Crean held a post game press conference with a long-time fan battling ALS.


“It’s a rare, rare, person that can make you feel better about you when you’re there trying to make them feel better about them” said Indiana head coach Tom Crean.

These words couldn’t have been said any better by the head coach of the Indiana Hooisers, Tom Crean. After Crean’s Indiana Hooisers defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 90-71 on Sunday night, Crean was joined in his post game press conference by a long-time Indiana fan named Brian Jones who’s battling Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS. 

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The two met earlier in the year when Crean was inside of a hospice. After the two exchanged words and got into a conversation, Crean said that he was inspired by Jones’ perseverance and his will.

“I was as inspired walking out of there seeing him as maybe he would have been to see me. Probably by 10 times more I was inspired walking out of there” said Crean.

The moment between these two is bigger than basketball, it’s a moment that could change a person’s life. Having moments such as this occur is the reason why sports is so influential. Sports opens up doors to different avenues, and it opens up different pathways into a person’s life that can change them for the better.

For Jones who’s been a lifelong Indiana fan, and is battling this terrible disease, he got a bit of a joyful pick me up. Not only did Jones get to meet the head coach of Indiana, he’s been able to join him during a press conference, which is a statement that not a lot of people in life can say.

This is more evidence why a lot of people within college basketball absolutely are in love with coach Crean. It’s that type of selflessness, the ability to put the needs and thoughts of others first that is honorable, and a true genuine sight to see.

At the age of 48-years-old, he’s already accomplished so much in college basketball and not only is he one of the best recruiters in college basketball, but he’s also one of the best when it comes to cultivating and developing talent.

But on a larger scale, who wouldn’t want to go play for a man who’s compassionate to the sick?

To learn more about Jones’ story check out his Facebook page. In addition to raise money for his treatment go to his GoFundMe page to help out.

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