In one of the most powerful moments we will see this entire college basketball season, Elijah Joiner broke down on the dais on Saturday afternoon talking about the game-winning three that he hit against No. 23 Wichita State:
POSTGAME: After hitting the game-winner to beat #23 Wichita St, Elijah joiner (@Slightwork11__) shared a moment with his father, who was watching him here in Tulsa for the 1st time. He talked about how special that moment was @TUMBasketball @FrankHaithTulsa pic.twitter.com/SgLL2D4LWh
— Jacob Tobey (@JacobRTobey) February 2, 2020
Joiner’s father was not in his life growing up. They knew who each other were, but they did not have a relationship. It wasn’t until recently that they started trying to get to know each other, to build a father-son relationship.
Saturday was the first time that Joiner knew his father was watching him play, and he happened to drop 22 points, five boards and five assists while hitting a game-winning, buzzer-beating three to beat No. 23 Wichita State and take over sole possession of first-place in the American.
Just awesome.