The Amazing Story of Hansel Enmanuel

In a game defined by speed, strength, and precision, Hansel Enmanuel stands out for his talent and remarkable journey. Born in the Dominican Republic, the 21-year-old college basketball phenom has become a global inspiration, captivating fans with his gravity-defying dunks and unshakable determination. Hansel isn’t just playing the game—he’s redefining what it means to overcome adversity and rise above the odds.

Hansel Enmanuel Donato Domínguez was born on October 24, 2003, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and raised in the impoverished barrio of Los Mina. The son of Hansel Salvador Donato, a former professional basketball player known as “Kikima,” Hansel grew up idolizing his father and dreaming of an athletic career. While baseball was his first love, destiny had other plans.

At the tender age of six, Hansel’s life changed forever. While playing with friends, he climbed a cinderblock wall that collapsed, pinning his left arm under the rubble for nearly two hours. The damage was catastrophic, requiring the amputation of his arm just below the shoulder. 

An amputation for any child would be a devastating blow, but for Hansel, it was the beginning of a remarkable journey. “When the accident happened, I was thinking like: ‘What am I going to do now?’” he recalled in an interview. “I was thinking: ‘It’s over for me.’”

After being hospitalized for six months and a grueling rehabilitation, Hansel faced the daunting task of relearning basic skills, like tying his shoes. Instead of succumbing to despair, he found strength in small victories. One day, Hansel became determined to tie his shoes without his mother’s help. Once he succeeded, that sparked a level of independence and fueled his drive to keep pushing forward.

The loss of his arm forced Hansel to abandon baseball, a sport that relied heavily on two-handed coordination. But his love for sports couldn’t be extinguished. Despite his father’s initial fears that basketball might lead to injury, Hansel picked up a basketball and never looked back. “I told myself, ‘Let me try,’” he said, reflecting on his early days.

Adapting to basketball with one arm was no small feat. Hansel struggled with balance, often falling as he learned to navigate the court. But his perseverance was unmatched. By age 11, he stood at 5’9”; by 12, he’d reached 6 feet, giving him the physical tools to complement his growing skill set. At 14, he achieved a milestone foreshadowing his future: his first dunk.

Hansel’s talent began to gain attention in 2020 when he posted videos of himself playing streetball in Santo Domingo. The clips, showcasing his jaw-dropping dunks, flashy passes, and relentless energy—all with one arm—went viral, captivating audiences worldwide. His nickname, “Kikimita,” inherited from his father, became synonymous with inspiration.

In January 2021, Hansel’s life took another leap forward. Moises Micael, a former teammate of his father and the head coach at Life Christian Academy in Kissimmee, Florida, saw his videos and offered him a scholarship to play in the United States. Leaving behind his home and learning a new language, Hansel embraced the challenge. Within weeks of arriving, his highlight-reel performances at the Orlando Winter Showdown—where he averaged 25 points and 11 rebounds—cemented his status as a rising star.

As a senior, Hansel dominated, averaging 25.9 points, 11 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 3.4 blocks per game while leading his team to a Central Florida Christian Academy state title. His performances earned him a three-star recruit rating and offers from schools like Tennessee State, Memphis, and Bethune-Cookman. Ultimately, he chose Northwestern State University, drawn to his connection with coach Corey Gipson.

Hansel’s freshman year at Northwestern State was a learning curve with limited playing time. But on December 10, 2022, he made headlines by scoring his first college points, including a highlight-reel dunk after grabbing his own missed free throw. “I had to keep going after the layup—that was my first bucket,” he said. “I know my family was proud.”

Hansel followed Coach Gipson to Austin Peay for his sophomore season to seek more court time. As a junior in the 2024-25 season, the 6’7” guard has become a key player for the Governors and continues producing viral moments, like coast-to-coast slams and tenacious blocks. His highlights against top teams, including No. 11 Tennessee, have kept him in the spotlight.

Off the court, Hansel’s impact is just as profound. With over 1.6 million Instagram followers and 2.7 million on TikTok, he’s leveraged his platform into lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals worth $1.2 million, partnering with brands like Adidas, Gatorade, T-Mobile, and ZOA Energy. In 2022, he signed an NIL deal with Banreservas, a major financial institution in the Dominican Republic, further solidifying his influence.

Hansel’s story goes far beyond the basketball court—he’s become a symbol of resilience and hope for anyone facing physical or personal challenges. At Austin Peay, he’s known not just for his highlight reels but for his heart. He frequently connects with fans, especially young athletes with disabilities, offering words of encouragement and warm embraces. In one unforgettable moment, he met a high school freshman with a prosthetic limb; the emotional exchange moved everyone in the room to tears, a testament to the power of representation and compassion.

 “I just feel like I’m doing my job the way that God wants me to do it,” Hansel said. His mantra—“Nothing can stop me. Never,”—is a testament to his mindset.

Hansel views his childhood accident as a “blessing,” a catalyst that shaped his purpose. He draws inspiration from idols like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Muhammad Ali while aspiring to reach the NBA and uplift others along the way.

Hansel’s ultimate goal is to become the first one-armed NBA player, a dream he pursues with unwavering focus. “We’re going to make it to the NBA,” he told the Associated Press. “That’s the big goal. Nobody is going to stop me. Only God.” With one more year of NCAA eligibility and potential overseas opportunities, his journey is far from over.

Hansel Enmanuel’s story is a powerful reminder that adversity doesn’t define us—our response to it does. From the streets of Santo Domingo to sold-out college arenas, he’s proven that with resilience, faith, and hard work, no obstacle is too big.