PHOENIX — A Peoria high school student with disabilities who sunk a half-court shot at the buzzer last month got to meet his favorite NBA player.
On Tuesday night, before the Golden State Warriors took on the Phoenix Suns, Tonatiuh "T" Ramirez met Steph Curry.
"Thank you for making my dream. I feel blessed," T said.
Last month, Liberty High School held a unified basketball game, combining general education students and students with disabilities. The gym was packed as fellow students watched.
With seconds left, T got the ball and threw up a shot from half court. It went in and the crowd erupted in cheers, storming the court around him in celebration.
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“The inclusion part of our school has just skyrocketed," said Jessi Wilk, a PE and unified sports teacher at Liberty.
The game was Wilk's idea.
“Everyone’s kind of rallied around the school and the program. Everyone knows about it," Wilk said.
It turns out, it's not just the Liberty community that knows about it.
The video of T's shot made its way to Steph Curry, who just so happens to be T's favorite player.
“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.”
In front of his classmates, T was told that when Curry and the Golden State Warriors visit the Suns, he would be Curry's guest. T broke down in tears when he found out.
“You’re gonna arrive early because there’s someone that wants to meet you there. Do you know who that is? His name’s Steph Curry," said a Liberty faculty member.
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On Tuesday night, alongside his siblings, parents, Wilk and her husband, T sat courtside and watched Curry warm up.
He even got to step onto the court and help Curry with one of his passes.
“Nice to meet you my man," Curry said.
Curry then made the meeting official, walking over to T to speak with him.
“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.
After the meeting, T exuded pure joy, celebrating with his mom, Rocio.
12News talked to Curry about the meeting after the game.
“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.
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