First Known College Basketball Player with Autism Brings "Relentless Tour" to GBHS
Anthony Ianni blasted home a message to a hand-selected group of GBHS students 5th hour on Friday in the auditorium. The former Spartan basketball player was the first known college player diagnosed with autism. His parents were told very early on that he would not graduate high school or play sports and that he would likely finish out his life in a group home setting. Ianni grew to 6' tall by the 6th grade (and soon reached 6' 9"), adding another reason for his peers to give him a hard time. In spite of those obstacles, he not only played basketball as a Spartan at Michigan State but graduated with a Sociology degree. During his time on the team, MSU played in two Big Ten Championships and a Final Four. His message to the students at the schools he visits now across the country? Be kind to one another, show respect to everyone, and think about the legacy you want to leave behind in your school and community. He's reminding students they are all on the same ...