LDS 12-year-old Jude Stamper was drafted by the Michigan basketball team with Team IMPACT earlier this season. Though born with a joint disorder called arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, he is now heading to the Final Four with his team. “They have embraced him. Coach Beilein absolutely loves him and he tells him that. He tells him he is a light in their lives,” said his mom, Courtney Stamper. “They have fully opened their doors not only to Jude, but our family.”
Michigan and Loyola-Chicago are bringing more than their A-game to the Final Four: The Wolverines have “good luck charm” 12-year-old Jude Stamper and the Ramblers have 98-year-old chaplain Sister Jean.
The “Jude vs. Jean” battle ensues, Jude’s dad Nate Stamper posted on Twitter after Michigan stamped its ticket to the Final Four.
NBC 25 News is in on the battle too, as reporter Jeanna Trotman caught up with Jude in L.A. this weekend about his “celebrity life” being recognized with the team.
“I get to be a part of Michigan, and that’s my favorite thing,” Jude told Trotman.