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TAMPA (FOX 13) - USF assistant basketball coach Tom Herrion's voice is powerful on the court.
Off of it, that voice is just as strong. Five years ago, Coach Herrion put it to good use. He and Towson head coach, Pat Skerry formed the Coaches Powering Forward campaign to bring awareness to autism through basketball.
"Autism is the fastest growing behavioral disorder in our society," said Herrion. "One in 68 children are affected by it and it's millions of families that deal with this daily around the world."
Like the Herrions. Tom and his wife Leslie's 11-year-old son, Robert, was diagnosed with autism.
"When you're thrown the curveball of your son has some sort of disorder, or your child, that's a tough pill to swallow," said Herrion.
The family noticed early on that Robert showed signs of autism.
"Having a little trouble making eye contact, and a little trouble making conversations," said Robert, describing himself.
For the most part, he is your average kid. He plays tennis and goes to all of dad's games.
"They're a lot of fun, watching the players do well, having some great games," said Robert.
This weekend, at USF and at games across the country, teams will be sporting a little bit a blue as part of Herrion's campaign. They'll be wearing special shooting shirts or puzzle piece pins.
When Coaches Powering Forward started back in 2014, just over 80 teams were involved. Since then it has grown, and more than 400 will take part this weekend.
"You'll see it starting Friday night, you'll see it at the NBA level, some of the NBA personalities, TV guys, wearing the pin so, again, we're very humbled, very appreciative," said Herrion. "For us, it means a lot, it hits home."
"It's very cool," said Robert. "Seeing some of the NBA wearing the blue puzzle piece pin, makes me feel very, very happy."
And Robert will most definitely be in the stands when the men's team dons the blue, for him and others, against Temple Saturday.
"Yeah!" he exclaimed.