There were lots of highlights from Florida's 89-65 win over Jacksonville Tuesday night, but this is the one everyone is talking about.
Florida sophomore Zach Hodskins, a walk-on player who was born without the lower part of his left arm, scored his first collegiate points for the Gators with an impressive spin move.
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The move drew some of the loudest ovations and applause of the night, both from the "Rowdy Reptile" crowd and from his fellow teammates and coaches.
The 6-foot-4 guard from Alpharetta, Georgia drove to the hoop in the final minute and sank the bucket despite getting fouled. He missed the free throw — but coaches, teammates and the crowd didn't care.
He was 0-for-2 shooting as a freshman last season and missed his first three shots this season.
"I was excited for him," Florida small forward Dorian Finney-Smith said. "I was here last year and he never scored. I'm just happy he got it."
Hodskins has played on the team since last year, and appeared in four games his freshman season.
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"Really happy for Zach, a great young man, obviously overcoming an unbelievable adversity," added Florida coach Mike White. "He's a very, very likable young man. You could tell by the decibel level in the O'Dome when he scored. It was a fun moment for our team and for Zach. Proud for him, happy for him."
Up next, the Gators play rival Florida State on Tuesday and then begin Southeastern Conference play.
