Peoria Teen with Disabilities Meets NBA Star Steph Curry After Buzzer-Beater

Tonatiuh “T” Ramirez, a Peoria high school student with disabilities, received a heartwarming surprise when he met his favorite NBA player, Steph Curry. Last month, T gained widespread attention for sinking a half-court shot at the buzzer during a unified basketball game at Liberty High School. 

“He’s a special person. Seeing the video of his shot, the reaction from everybody in the gym, the whole school,” Curry said. “All those moments are awesome.”

The incredible moment, which went viral, caught the attention of Curry, who decided to meet T before the Golden State Warriors faced the Phoenix Suns.

On Tuesday night, alongside his siblings and parents, along with Wilk and her husband, T enjoyed courtside seats and witnessed Curry’s warm-up.

To top it off, he had the incredible opportunity to step onto the court and assist Curry with one of his passes.

Curry then made the meeting official, walking over to T to speak with him.

“Nice to meet you my man,” Curry said.

“That was an amazing shot you had, too. I love your smile, buddy,” Curry said.

T’s smile was from ear to ear as the fan turned friend hung out with his hero before tipoff. Curry didn’t let T leave empty handed. He gifted him signed jerseys, a pair of shoes and a memory that will last a lifetime.

“My dream is to be a professional basketball player and be like you,” T said to Curry.

“Keep working hard. Keep working hard. Lean on your family, your friends. Have confidence in yourself just like you did in that video and whatever you want to do, man, it’ll work out,” Curry said.

T, a huge fan of Curry, was overwhelmed with emotion as he realized his dream of meeting the basketball star. Curry praised T for his amazing shot and encouraged him to keep working hard toward his goals. The NBA player gifted T signed jerseys, a pair of shoes, and created a cherished memory for the teen.

The meeting between T and Curry showcases the positive impact of sports, bringing people together and inspiring individuals to overcome challenges. T’s infectious smile and love for basketball, shared with his hero, exemplify the unifying power of the game.

We talked to Curry about the meeting after the game, and this is what he thought:

“His goals that he set for himself, that’s what basketball can do. Bring so many people together. Provides inspiration,” Curry said.

Curry inspired this young basketball star, but little does T know, it’s his impact that’s making a difference.

“The five minutes I got to talk to him hopefully cemented that impact that you can have through the game of basketball,” Curry said.