Posted on AnnArbor.com

By: Michael Rothstein

Struggling through pain and anguish of a rare neurological disease, Dan Tan’s voice perked up through his swollen lungs and tight throat. Tubes ran in and out of his body.

James Huggins walked into Room 801 of the UCLA Medical Center. Surrounded by Dan’s parents and one of his sisters, Huggins placed the phone on speaker.

Darius Morris was on the other end.

The room was silent as Morris’ voice came through, speaking to his 21-year-old friend.

Dan began the conversation as always, asking the Michigan basketball team’ssophomore point guard whether he made his free throws, whether he was shooting well, how many assists he had.

Huggins, an assistant basketball coach at the Windward School where Darius and Dan first met, had called Darius once earlier. Darius, in Ann Arbor, ignored the call, figuring he’d talk to his old high school coach later.

Huggins then texted him. He was at the hospital with Dan. The prognosis didn’t look good. Dan Tan had been in the hospital before, but this time, five weeks ago, felt different. Ten seconds later, Huggins’ phone rang.

Dan and Darius talked. The two friends who bonded and grew close through basketball spoke about the sport that now kept them apart…

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