Hoops: Austin Hatch returns to action, inspires teammates

He may or may not play at the next level, but Michigan signee Austin Hatch returned to the court Wednesday night for the first time in two years. Hatch, still recovering from head trauma following a plane crash that killed his father and stepmother, hit a triple and brought the house down in an 87-59 Pasadena Loyola win over Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.

The reaction - his coach and teammates rushed the court - resulted in a technical foul, but few cared.

"He hit a three, and our bench erupted," Loyola coach Jamal Adams told the Los Angeles Times. "It was unbelievable what that kid has gone through and how hard he's worked. That kid has taught me you can come back from anything, that nothing is impossible. It was a spiritual moment.

"It was the best technical foul I've ever been a part of."

Hatch, a Fort Wayne, Ind., native, moved to California to be with family and signed his national letter of intent with U-M this fall. He plans to join the team next season, and head coach John Beilein has said there will be a spot for him whether he can play again or not.

"As I said after the game, my three was pretty cool, but, more importantly, we're now 14-0," Hatch tweeted, adding, "Tonight reaffirmed the truth of Romans 8:28. "And we know that all things work together for good for those who love Him…" #faith.

The video: Hatch Triple.