In San Francisco, basketball has taken a side seat for 18-year-old Jaren Barajas, a busy college student who finds time to shoot hoops in his backyard about once a month. However, everything changed for him during the All-Star Game this past Sunday night when he unexpectedly triumphed over Milwaukee Bucks superstar Damian Lillard in a thrilling 3-point shooting competition, earning a remarkable $100,000.

Barajas described his victory as “life-changing.” He expressed his gratitude, stating, “This is going to mean the world to me, it’s going to help my family a lot and definitely my future. Hopefully, it’ll help me pay for my education, which it will.” The stakes were high as Lillard had to sink three long-distance shots to claim victory, but Barajas only needed to score once from a deep spot on the court.

With time running out and Lillard missing his attempts, Barajas seized the moment. He made a final shot that hit the backboard and swished through the net, a technique his father had taught him. “It was coming down to the wire, we had 30 seconds left, and my dad always tells me to use the backboard,” he recalled. “That’s what I had to do to make it go in.”

Lillard, who is originally from Oakland, appreciated the dramatic conclusion, saying, “It was dramatic, he made it as the clock was going off. I love being part of stuff like that where you can impact somebody else.”

Interestingly, Barajas didn’t even know he would be attending the All-Star Game. His excitement began when his father, Michael, managed to find affordable tickets just a day before the event, surprising his son. “To have this experience is so surreal,” Barajas shared, still amazed at their luck. The father-son duo arrived early at the arena, and by chance, Jaren was invited to participate in the contest.

Michael, who described himself as “semi-retired,” felt a mix of emotions as he watched his son shine. He explained, “He wanted to go to the game, prices were pretty high so I kept watching the prices come down, and once I found them where I could afford them, I bought them and surprised him with them yesterday. I can’t believe we’re right here, but I’m glad I did it. He deserves it and I’m proud of him.”

After his impressive performance, Barajas received congratulations from former Warriors star Baron Davis, along with cheers from fans who wanted photos with him. Davis praised the moment, saying, “Oh, man, that was amazing, clutch performance at the buzzer, Steph Curry-style. In the Bay Area. Give this man his money.”

The NBA announced plans to donate $50,000 to Lillard’s newly formed scholarship fund aimed at assisting nine high schools in the East Bay, and another $50,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs in Oakland and San Francisco. Lillard expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting the collective impact of the event. “I knew that it would be a win-win situation,” he stated. “I was just happy to see his real excitement. That’s life-changing for somebody.”

Michael Barajas reflected on the benefits this prize money will provide for his son’s future education and his ability to give back. Jaren, currently a freshman studying business at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, plans to later transfer to a four-year institution. His father remarked, “It was all luck, meant to be, I don’t know. I can’t believe it.”

Even after the exhilarating experience, Jaren was still in disbelief, simply saying, “I just beat Damian Lillard.”