A name you probably never heard of but I'm betting you will during next years basketball season. No this is not another sports blog but one of inspiration. To really understand what I'm writing about, please watch this video first...it's amazing. (it's only 1 minute)

Zach Hodskins

He was born without a left hand and forearm and this 6' 4" young man plays better than guys with two hands. He's a smart passer, has a great shot, and a handles the ball with moves I would never have thought of. The only way this young man has developed his gifts is shear determination. He is said to play with a chip on his shoulder, "He has converted years of slights, perceived and real, into a continual source of energy that compels him to set lofty goals." What really angers Zach is when the referee calls a foul on him for checking with two hands.

An inspiring story if it was just that...but hold on. Mr. Hodskins will be playing for the Florida Gators next season. Florida, which has won back-to-back national titles in the past decade and reached the N.C.A.A. tournament’s Round of 8 the past three years, guaranteed him a roster spot for next season by designating him a preferred walk-on.

If you're like me, I thought this was just for publicity. But the coach of the Gators, Billy Donovan, had told the family: “We’re first and foremost recruiting you as a player. You are an inspiration, but you are here because you’re a good basketball player.”

During this time of the year, when we are getting angry at traffic, stressing about what to buy for the holidays, just look down at your two hands and wonder what it would be like without one - playing a sport, any sport, at such a high level as Zach. I don't know where his career will go but I would expect as far as he wants.

Go Zach!