It’s any weekday practice, and he’s one of the first to arrive. He rolls the cart to the edge of Neville Arena’s basketball court. Auburn University sophomore Sam Cunningham passes out basketballs in the land of the giants. Giants who admire him and are inspired by him — the 5-foot-4 student manager who weighs 105 pounds, the manager who has taught them what fight and resolve are all about.

America’s top-ranked men’s college basketball team is on a roll, and as the Tigers play high above the rim, Sam Cunningham has a victorious story well below it. Just 4 years ago, Sam was on the brink when his cancer came flooding back. Today, the 20-year-old credits the Tigers and their head coach for helping to save his life.