Kevin Laue (born 1990) is a 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m) tall American college student and basketball player from Pleasanton, California. He was born with one arm and has been recognized for his skills and success in overcoming adversity. In the 2008-2009 season he played at a military academy in Virginia and was a prospect for collegiate play. In March 2009 he received a scholarship to play Division I basketball for Manhattan College.[1]
Contents |
Due to a restriction of prenatal blood circulation, Laue was born with a left arm that ended at the elbow.[2] His parents encouraged him to play soccer as a child, but Kevin did not like soccer.[3] He also refused to use a prosthetic arm.[3] He had some struggles as a youth basketball player, but by eighth grade he had grown enough that he could handle a ball with one hand and could dunk a basketball.[3]
Laue attended Amador Valley High School near his home where as a junior he played center on the varsity basketball team.[4][5] He played about 23 minutes a game and averaged about four points, five blocks and six rebounds per game.[4]
During his junior year, he was described as the team's star.[5] In 2007 Sports Illustrated called him "the most exciting player in basketball" in recognition of his playing prowess with just one hand,[3] but he missed most of his senior year due to a broken leg.[2]
After graduation, he enrolled as a postgraduate at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia[2] for the 2008–2009 school year. As of December 2008, his season statistics at Fork Union were 6.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. As an NCAA prospect, he received recruiting letters from Division III schools, but hopes to be able to play for a Division I team.[2] Scouts, Inc. describes him as a "prospect that could instantly help a number of low-major Division I programs," noting his "quick leaping ability" and effective play on both offense and defense.[6] In March 2009 he was awarded a scholarship from Manhattan College, a Division I school.[7]
Kevin wears size 17 shoes and can handle the ball in his large right hand,[2][4] which an Amador Valley teammate said "is as big as two normal hands."[5] He uses the stump of his left arm (which he calls "the Nub"[3]) to help hold the ball after catching a pass. He also uses his stump effectively in defense.[2][4]