ESPN visited the Hawks' Nest on Jan. 26, 2018 to interview Men's Basketball Guard/Forward Nick Paquette '19 (Business), whose open letter to NBA prospect Andrew Jones about fighting leukemia went viral.

Paquette and Jones, a student athlete at the University of Texas, were both diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 20 in the middle of successful collegiate basketball careers.

“When I read about your diagnosis, Andrew, I couldn’t help but recall my own struggle,” wrote Paquette. “I thought about the shock and terror I felt when I learned I had leukemia, the frustration of not having the energy to get out of bed while in the hospital and the challenge of gradually working back into basketball shape once I came home. Knowing that another 20-year-old college sophomore would be embarking on a similar journey made me want to help. I certainly don’t have a potential NBA career riding on my recovery like you do, nor do I even know if we have exactly the same type of leukemia or not, but I’d like to think my story can provide you strength, inspiration and above all else hope.”

To read Paquette’s heartfelt letter to Jones visit newpaltz.edu/news. Also, www.espn.com/video.