Inspirational one-handed Kerry basketballer nets Ireland call-up

What a remarkable young man…

Inspirational one-handed Kerry basketballer nets Ireland call-up

Basketball-crazy Jordan Lee is an exceptional young man with an incredible story to tell.

Jordon, 14, was born with a condition that has even left doctors uncertain as to what happened to him after his left arm stopped developing just beyond his elbow joint.

“The doctors aren’t 100% sure but they think the amneotic band wrapped around my arm when I was developing,” Jordan explained during an appearance on RTÉ Radio One.

Jordan’s story came to light in the national media last month but has gone viral recently after Basketball Ireland decided to do a video profile on him.

Growing up, Killarney native Jordan was drawn to the sport of basketball by his father Jarlath’s love of the game.

Jarlath is a former Superleague player, the highest level in domestic basketball in the country and all Jordan wanted to do was follow in his dad’s footsteps - no matter the what was put in his way.

“My dad told me since I was young that my left arm was only a guide arm when I used to shoot the ball,” said Lee.

“My left hand would just be at the side of the ball as a guide and that I don’t necessarily need a left arm for everything in basketball.”

Jordan’s dream is to play basketball for Ireland and because of all his hard work he could be on the verge of achieving his goal.

Lee regularly stars for his club St Paul’s and his school St Brendan’s College Killarney in matches, but it was his performance in the recent BIPPS Tom Collins Inter-Regional Tournament that caught the eye of Irish selectors.

Some 66 boys were invited to a selection trial and it was no surprise to hear that the hard-working Jordan has made it into the final 34 to make up the Irish U-15 Development Squad.

When asked what reactions he has faced to his disability on the court, the talented Jordan was extremely modest.

“People will look at me and say: ‘How can that guy play with one hand?’ I go on the court, I score my points and they’re amazed afterwards,” said Lee.

“They shake my hand and say ‘Good shooting’. I had to get faster. I had to get stronger. I just practised and practised and eventually it paid off.”

What a brilliant young man Jordan is - we can’t wait to see him in the green of Ireland.

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