Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden learned that one of the victims of the horrific Michigan State University shooting, which killed three students and injured five others, is a huge fan of his skills on the court.
John Hao was left paralyzed from the chest down after gunman Anthony McRae opened fire at Berkey Hall and the MSU Union student center, before being found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Hao has been in the hospital recovering and when Harden caught wind of his fandom, he wanted to do everything possible to help.
ESPN’s Malika Andrews detailed Harden’s generosity, as he sent some sneakers, including a pair of game-worn ones, to the hospital where Hao is recovering.
He also contributed to Hao’s GoFundMe page to help with medical bills from the incident.
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James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on February 11, 2023, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Finally, Harden wanted to make his gesture more personable, as he FaceTimed Hao and gave him some words of encouragement.
“Everything will work itself out. Be strong,” Harden said to Hao. “You’re alright. You’ll be alright, I promise you are.”
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“I got you,” Hao replied softly.
“I love when you’re smiling, too,” Harden added. “I love when you’re smiling, alright? I’m with you. I know it’s tough right now, but you have to stay physically strong, you know what I mean? You just gotta just think positive things and keep pushing and keep fighting.
James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the fourth quarter atori at Wells Fargo Center on December 19, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
“Let me know if you need anything else.”
Andrews added that Harden left Hao his phone number, saying that they will FaceTime again soon. Harden is hoping that Hao can come to one of his games once he’s healthy enough to do so.
Junior Alexandria Verner, sophomore Arielle Anderson and sophomore Brian Fraser were the three students that tragically died in the shooting at MSU.
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James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the New York Knicks on February 10, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
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As of Wednesday, only one of the five wounded remained in critical condition.
