Vermont player scores first points on Senior night after car crash in high school left him in a coma

Before a car crash in high school left him in a coma, Josh Speidel was a highly-touted recruit for Vermont.

However, on Feb. 1, 2015, Speidel’s life changed forever, as his car was T-boned coming out of a KFC parking lot, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury. He went into a coma and had a long rehab when he came out.

But, on Tuesday night, he got the start on Senior Night. And, in the game against Albany, Speidel was given the chance to score the first points for the Catamounts, as you can see below:

Here’s the best thing you’ll see tonight.

Vermont senior Josh Speidel gets the first start of his career and the first points of his career.

Speidel was a highly touted UVM recruit before a car accident in high school left him in a coma. Incredible story in Burlington. pic.twitter.com/kWInlKqFZF

— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 4, 2020

After that basket, the game was stopped and Speidel left the court to a standing ovation. Both coaches and the refs made sure to say something to him as he went back to the bench:

Credit to UAlbany coach Will Brown for allowing Speidel to have this unforgettable moment and night. Speidel also has his coach, John Becker, and so many more inside Patrick Gym, tonight in tears.

College sports are the absolute best. pic.twitter.com/lWK6srcbx2

— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 4, 2020

You can read CBS Sports writer Matt Norlander’s story about Speidel here. What a classy gesture from Albany and what a moment for Speidel and Vermont.