Michigan State University student John Hao was seriously injured in the deadly shooting on campus on Feb. 13.
He spent weeks at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing recovering from the injuries, but he is getting better.
Now, according to ESPN’s Malika AndrewsHao will be attending Sunday’s NBA playoff game between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers in Philly, courtesy of his favorite player, James Harden.
Back in late February, just a few days after the shooting, Andrews reported, Harden sent a pair of game-worn shoes and some other memorabilia to Hao at the hospital as he was recovering. He also FaceTimed with him and told him to stay positive and everything will be alright.
“Everything will work itself out, be strong, you’re alright,” Harden told Hao.
“I know it’s tough right now, but you have to stay physically strong, you know what I mean? You just gotta think of the positive things.”
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Importantly, Harden also told Hao that once he’s feeling better, he was going to get him to a game.
Just shy of three months after the shooting, that time has come.
Hao will be attending the game as a guest of Harden, and it couldn’t come at a better time. The teams split the first two games in Boston, with Game 3 tipping off Friday night in Philly; Game 4 will be a crucial one.
Keep an eye out for Hao on the broadcast, which starts at 3:30 pm on ESPN.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: James Harden brings MSU student injured in shooting to 76ers game