After a courageous battle with stomach cancer, Justin Hardy, a star college basketball player, passed away on Sunday at the age of 22. Hardy underwent surgery last summer but was able to return to the court in time for the start of the November basketball season.
He soon regained his ability to slam dunk. To his surprise, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 only after several rounds of treatment had been completed.
In order for Hardy to be able to play in the weekend’s games, he would get chemo at the beginning of a week. He had a career-high 28-point game in early February.
Hardy eventually had to miss games due to cancer and new therapy. He scored a last-second layup as time expired in the final regular-season game at the Washington University Field House to a standing ovation. After that, he was absent from both of the team’s games in the NCAA Tournament.
ESPN’s coverage of Hardy’s accomplishments made his narrative a national sensation. One of the numerous sportspeople to reach out and show their support was NBA and college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale, who has been undergoing cancer treatment for the past year.
Those who knew him well came to New Orleans to celebrate his achievements with him, including six of his former teammates, Washington head coach Pat Juckem, and Hardy’s high school coach.
