A little over a month ago, Louisville forward James Scott endured a moment that could have ended his season. Diving for a loose ball against Miami on February 8, the sophomore collided violently with the court. The impact was devastating: Scott lost several front teeth and suffered traumatic facial injuries that left his basketball future in doubt.
“It was a very serious injury,” Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey recalled. “For a while, we weren’t sure if he’d be able to return.”
Instead of sitting out, Scott found an unlikely lifeline just across campus. At the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, students Sophie Wegenast and Justin Gillham stepped in to create a solution. Using 3D scanning and printing technology, they designed a custom-fitted protective face mask in less than 24 hours—an innovation that allowed Scott to breathe, talk, and most importantly, play without hesitation.
“We scanned his head—it probably took 15 to 20 minutes,” Wegenast explained. “After that, it was just in our hands.”
The result wasn’t only functional; it was striking. On the court, Scott’s mask gave him a menacing presence, sparking comparisons from fans to cinematic figures like Bane and Hannibal Lecter. Opponents quickly learned the mask wasn’t just for show—it became symbolic of Scott’s resilience and toughness.
Of course, the gear isn’t indestructible. At one point, an opponent cracked the mask’s nose, forcing the engineers to produce replacements. Still, the quick turnaround has ensured Scott hasn’t missed a single game since the injury.
That durability has been vital for Louisville. The Cardinals are 27–6 (18–2 in ACC play) and on the brink of history, preparing to face top-seeded Duke for their first-ever ACC title.
For Scott, the mask represents more than protection—it’s a badge of perseverance, engineering ingenuity, and a season saved.
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