Chicago Native Reggie Strong Battles Back from Serious Injury to Become Star at Moraine Valley

After being told he'd never walk again, the 24-year-old redshirt freshman is now averaging 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Reggie Strong, a Chicago native, has had a long and challenging five-year journey that included being hit by a car in 2023 and being told he'd never walk again. But now, the 24-year-old redshirt freshman is thriving as a star player at Moraine Valley, averaging 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in his first competitive season since 2019-20.

Why it matters

Strong's story is an inspiring tale of perseverance and resilience, as he has battled back from a devastating injury to reclaim his basketball career. His journey highlights the power of determination and the importance of supportive coaches and community in helping individuals overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

The details

After playing for respected high school coaches at Farragut, St. Joseph, and Orr, Strong was on the verge of a bright future when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020. In April 2023, while walking back to his hotel after a tournament in Memphis, he was hit by a speeding car, sustaining numerous serious injuries including two broken legs, torn tendons and cartilage in both knees, and requiring 15 surgeries over five months. With the support of his parents, Strong was able to walk again on the one-year anniversary of the crash in April 2024. He then moved to the western suburbs, got a job at a fitness facility in Naperville, and connected with Moraine Valley assistant coach Aaron Green, who introduced him to head coach Kyle Huppe. Strong practiced with the Cyclones last season and is now a leader on and off the court as a redshirt freshman.

  • In 2020, Strong was wrapping up his high school basketball career.
  • In April 2023, Strong was hit by a car while walking back to his hotel after a tournament in Memphis.
  • In April 2024, on the one-year anniversary of the crash, Strong was able to walk again.
  • In November 2024, Strong met with Moraine Valley head coach Kyle Huppe after being connected through a co-worker.
  • This season, in 2026, Strong is a 24-year-old redshirt freshman averaging 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.

The players

Reggie Strong

A 24-year-old redshirt freshman basketball player at Moraine Valley, who has battled back from a serious car accident in 2023 that left him told he'd never walk again.

Lou Adams

Strong's former coach at Orr High School.

William 'Wolf' Nelson

Strong's former coach at Farragut High School.

Gene Pingatore

Strong's former coach at St. Joseph High School, who has since passed away.

Kyle Huppe

The head coach of the Moraine Valley Cyclones basketball team, who connected with Strong and has been impressed by his attitude and work ethic.

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What they’re saying

“It's exactly like a movie. It's actually surreal. I was in a wheelchair. I would imagine how I would look on the court.”

— Reggie Strong (suntimes.com)

“At Farragut, I picked up ... system ball, but more so grit, grind. We pressed the whole game. Then at St. Joe's we're running more plays. Coach Ping [had] an actual system: pass, cut, screen. When I got to Orr, it was like, if you don't play defense, you're coming out [of] the game. ... I told myself the other day, I'm really lucky to have those three great coaches. ... They taught me a lot ... to be a better person and to have a heart on offense and defense and just to go out there and put it all out on the floor for the team.”

— Reggie Strong (suntimes.com)

“The first thing I remember, the kid shook my hand and his handshake was super strong — just one of those grown-man handshakes. Your first impression is: really hard worker, really mature and just laser-focused on what he really wants. This was before I really even knew his story.”

— Kyle Huppe, Moraine Valley Head Coach (suntimes.com)

“I told his dad, 'It's a blessing to coach your son.' Just because of his attitude every day. And the perspective that he just has on life in general is different than a lot of guys that play at this level. ... We call him Superman.”

— Kyle Huppe, Moraine Valley Head Coach (suntimes.com)

What’s next

Strong has a Division II offer from Lewis and is also drawing interest from Division I schools as he continues his comeback story at Moraine Valley.

The takeaway

Reggie Strong's inspiring journey from being told he'd never walk again to becoming a star player at Moraine Valley is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the support of caring coaches and community. His story serves as a reminder that with hard work and perseverance, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.