Bensalem High’s Kevin Grow gets his shot with the Harlem Globetrotters
By Matt Schickling
Wire Staff Writer
When Kevin Grow wants something, he makes it happen, even if it takes two years.
On March 9, the Bensalem High School senior with Down syndrome became the second person in history to play basketball for both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Harlem Globetrotters. The first was a man named Wilt Chamberlain.
“I think Kevin is super excited about it,” said his father, Earl Grow, a few days before the game. “Two years ago, he even sent an email [to the Globetrotters] requesting to be on the team.”
Well, the Globetrotters finally answered, adding Kevin to the roster as a 3-point specialist for the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s game at Wells Fargo Center. This honor comes after Kevin’s remarkable performance at Bensalem High School basketball’s senior day, where he scored 14 points, including four 3-pointers in the final two minutes.
Kevin had been the team’s manager for four years and was given the nod to play by varsity coach John Mullin, who was just awarded Teacher of the Year by the school for his work in special education. And though Kevin had always been a dependable manager and an integral part of the day-to-day functions of
the team, even Mullin was taken aback when he called Kevin’s number that night.
“He can shoot, we know he can shoot,” said Mullin. “I expected him to make his layups and get a few shots off, but who would expect anybody to make four of five. It was an unbelievable experience.”
Kevin’s father shared the coach’s surprise.
“Kids with disabilities learn a lot visually,” said Grow. “But where he came up with that, I just don’t know.”
He is rightfully shocked. The average 3-point shooter in the NBA scores about one in every three attempts. On senior night, Kevin hit four of five from beyond the arc.
And since, well over 1 million viewers saw it happen thanks to a family friend uploading a video to YouTube of Kevin’s performance.
“I never realized how powerful it could be,” said Earl Grow, marveling at the expansive audience the video reached. “Ten years ago, this probably wouldn’t happen.”
The father of two is happy it did, and is probably most thankful for the response of those in his community. “Everyone is excited for someone doing well in our community,” he said. “[Kevin] gets more excitement out of sharing it with others than him being the big shot.”
The community celebrated Kevin’s success on Wednesday, March 5, at Bensalem High School with a visit from his fellow Globetrotters Handles Franklin and TNT Maddox. The purpose of the assembly was to promote an anti-bullying message in the school, and, of course, to share Kevin’s achievement with his classmates and teachers.
“The way you guys embraced Kevin, that really touched our hearts,” said Handles Franklin at the assembly between interactions with students and Kevin’s team, whom he called the “Bensalem Dream Team.”
Kevin was presented with a customized Globetrotters jersey, which read his nickname, “KG3,” across the shoulders.
Kevin was not just honored for his basketball skills, but for embodying the “Globetrotter Spirit,” which points to his teamwork and willingness to help others, qualities that he is known for far beyond his lights-out jumper.
“He’s one of the team,” said Mullin. “He showed what can be done when kids are given a chance. Using the Globetrotters as a vehicle to get that message across is really a great thing.”
Though at the moment Kevin’s life is dominated by basketball, he doesn’t let it interrupt his extremely active routine, which includes participation in a variety of sports for the Special Olympics and other organizations. He also does music, dance, drama and other activities with the Hopes and Dreams Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to children and young adults with developmental disabilities. Aside from that, Kevin enjoys working in video production, both at the Owls Television Network at his high school and independently at home with equipment bought by his father.
For now, his most famous skill is that pristine jumper, which he showcased just once in a contest at the assembly with a fellow student. The ball swished through the net, prompting applause from all gathered, including his opponent.
“That was unfair,” said Franklin through the microphone. “Because we all know KG3 is on the map.”
