Earlier this fall, College Basketball Times writer Timothy LaDuca reached out to college basketball programs in search of an inspirational story.  After speaking with the Pitt-Johnstown coaching staff, College Basketball Times decided to do a story on Pitt-Johnstown's Tyler Bilinsky.

A truly feel-good story for Bilinsky came out a near tragedy that took place in December 2020.

Bilinsky, a native or Irwin, Pa. and a graduate of Norwin High School, suffered a stroke two days after Christmas in 2020 and was airlifted to a Pittsburgh area hospital.  After a bit of time, Bilinsky battled his way back not only to health, but back on the hardwood where Mountain Cats Coaches Bob Rukavina and Patrick Grubbs offered Bilinsky a chance to walk-on the Pitt-Johnstown team.

Bilinsky, who is expected to red-shirt in 2021-22, is now a walk-on member of the Mountain Cat basketball team, working on improving his skills and adjusting to the college game.