SAN FRANCISCO These days, Jaren Barajas shoots on his backyard hoop perhaps once a month. Since he is now an 18-year-old college student with a busy schedule, basketball has taken a backseat to his studies.
During the All-Star Game on Sunday night, in front of the world, Barajas managed to defeat Damian Lillard, a star of the Milwaukee Bucks, in a 3-point shooting challenge and win $100,000.
He declared, “This will mean the world to me, help my family a lot, and definitely my future.” I hope it will assist me in covering the cost of my schooling, which it will.
In order to win, Lillard had to score three long distance threes, while Barajas only needed to make one basket from far back. As the clock was running out and it was announced that they would be the players’ final tries, Barajas let it fly again and sank his jumper.
As his father had always told him, use the glass—off the backboard, no less. Neither Barajas nor his father could recall if it was his sixth or seventh attempt.
We had thirty seconds remaining, and my dad constantly advises me to use the backboard, Barajas added. To get it to go in, I had to do that.
The teenager had been hoping to go ever since Chase Center was chosen to host the NBA’s midseason showcase in 2025, but he wasn’t even meant to be here.
“I didn’t even know I was going to the game until I was surprised with these tickets yesterday, so it’s really surreal to have this experience,” Barajas said. I’m really grateful.
After keeping an eye on ticket costs, his father, Michael, eventually discovered something that fit his budget on Saturday and bought it.
After telling his son the wonderful news, they came at the arena early from the East Bay suburb of Oakley. By chance, Jaren was asked if he would like to take part. Both father and son were in awe at their good fortune, but the father later battled his feelings.
Michael Barajas stated, “I kept watching the prices come down until I found them where I could afford them, and then I bought them and surprised him with them yesterday.” He wanted to attend the game, but the costs were too costly. It’s unbelievable that we’re here, but I’m happy I did it. I’m proud of him, and he deserves it.
While numerous people applauded Jaren and asked for pictures, former Warriors player Baron Davis stopped by to offer his congratulations.
A grinning Davis remarked, “Oh, man, that was amazing, clutch performance at the buzzer, Steph Curry-style.” in the Bay Area. Give the man his money.
The NBA announced that it would provide $50,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland and San Francisco, as well as $50,000 to Oakland native Lillard’s recently created scholarship fund that will benefit nine East Bay high schools.
Michael Barajas, who considers himself semi-retired, is aware that the prize money will enable Jaren to give back in some way in addition to helping with his son’s college costs.
The teenager attends Los Medanos College, a two-year institution in neighboring Pittsburg, where he is a freshman studying commerce.
“I can’t believe it,” Michael Barajas remarked, “it was all luck, meant to be, I don’t know.”
Jaren was still struggling to breathe after the once-in-a-lifetime event.
Damian Lillard was recently defeated by me.
— Janie McCauley, Sports Writer for AP
