Deaf Dublin Coffman senior overcomes disability, snags scholarship

For Dublin Coffman senior Jason Boateng, playing basketball was a dream growing up, but it seemed just out of reach. Deaf since age three, Boateng’s condition kept him from playing competitively until seventh grade.

But things are different now.

Boateng, who stands at 6’7″, averages seven points and six rebounds a game for the Shamrocks varsity team and listens to the court with a cochlear hearing implant on his right ear.

With the help of hand signals, physical contact, and a dose of raw athleticism and talent, Boateng has become an integral part of the Shamrocks.

“My dad and I watched a lot of NBA games and he said, ‘Why can’t you do that?'” Boateng said.

College recruiters are asking the same thing, and Boateng has already received a potential offer from Indiana Tech for basketball and track.

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