PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — When 76er James Harden learned that he is John Hao’s favorite basketball player, he knew he had to do something.
Hao, 20, was one of the five students who was injured in the Feb. 13 mass shooting at Michigan State University, which left three other students dead.
According to a GoFundMe page for Hao, he became paralyzed from the chest down after being shot in the back.
“I wanted to get up on that ASAP and just see what I can do,” Harden said in the Sixers locker room late Thursday night. “That’s a tragedy. He wasn’t expecting that. It’s something that he couldn’t control. And that’s what’s the craziest part about it — so any time I can do my part, I’m gonna do it.”
Harden sent Hao sneakers, including game-worn shoes, according to ESPN. He also FaceTimed Hao, offering him words of encouragement and strength.
“You gonna be all right,” Harden told him. “I promise you are. … I got you.”
According to Hao’s GoFundMe page, his condition is improving. Harden hopes Hao, who is an international student from China, can bounce back sooner than later.
“I gave him my number, so whenever he feels like he needs anything, he can call me and I can check up on him until he gets back to recovery,” said Harden.