Louisville Cardinals forward James Scott has been turning heads on the court, not just with his impressive play, but also with the protective face mask he now wears.
The sophomore forward suffered a traumatic facial injury in early February, forcing him to adapt to a new look while continuing to compete at a high level. But why exactly does Scott wear the mask, and how was it specially designed for him?
James Scott’s Devastating Injury
Scott’s injury occurred on Feb. 8, during Louisville’s win over the Miami Hurricanes. In a hustle play for a loose ball, an opposing player accidentally landed on Scott’s face, slamming it against the court. The result was severe facial trauma, including knocked-out front teeth and other serious damage.
Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey later described the injury as very serious, and many feared it would sideline Scott for the rest of the season. However, thanks to modern technology and Scott’s own resilience, he was back on the court far sooner than expected.
To ensure Scott could return to action safely, engineers Sophie Wegenast and Justin Gillham stepped in to design a custom protective mask. Using 3D-printing technology, they created a lightweight, form-fitting guard that perfectly molded to Scott’s facial structure.
Just turned into the Louisville game to see the score and I see this kid with a mask on and was like why is he wearing a mask. Looked it up and he suffered a facial injury but the mask is insane. James Scott pic.twitter.com/BONzcdKuN0
— angie (@biebsfanonly) March 14, 2025
This allowed him to see, breathe, and talk with ease, ensuring his performance wouldn’t be affected by the protective gear.
The quick turnaround was nothing short of impressive. Within 24 hours, the custom face guard was ready, giving Scott the protection he needed to step back onto the court with confidence.
While the mask serves a crucial protective function, it also adds to Scott’s presence on the court. The sleek design, combined with his fearless playing style, makes him look even more intimidating to opponents.
Basketball fans have seen similar cases before, players like Rip Hamilton and Joel Embiid have famously worn protective masks while continuing to dominate the game.
For Scott, the mask represents resilience and determination. Despite suffering a gruesome injury, he didn’t let it keep him down. Instead, he adapted, adjusted, and came back even stronger, now with an extra layer of defense in the form of his custom-made mask.
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Scott’s story is one of grit and perseverance. After suffering a potentially season-ending injury, he returned to the court just weeks later, thanks to the quick work of his medical team and cutting-edge 3D printing technology.
His mask serves as both a symbol of his resilience and a practical tool to keep him safe. As Louisville continues its season, one thing is certain: whether wearing a mask or not, Scott is a fighter, and he’s not backing down anytime soon.
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