In a heartwarming turn of events, a 13-year-old Filipino boy named Justin, known locally as the “young Steph Curry of the Philippines,” recently had a dream come true when he met his basketball idol, NBA superstar Stephen Curry.

 

13-year-old meets his basketball idol Steph Curry | GMA News Online

Justin, who has earned his nickname by skillfully imitating Curry’s signature moves on the court, has been a basketball enthusiast for years. His dedication to the sport is evident, even as he often plays barefoot. The young athlete’s story first gained attention when he was featured in a local TV program, where his talent and passion for the game were highlighted. Following the feature, Justin’s love for basketball only grew, spurred on by the gift of a new pair of rubber shoes from the show. He eagerly shared that he had learned new basketball skills, further fueled by the support he received.

 

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Despite his talent and determination, Justin’s life hasn’t been without challenges. His mother, who works as a domestic helper in Bahrain, had to leave him in the care of a close family friend, Ever, who now looks after him. Ever, who treats Justin as her own son, ensures that he doesn’t feel the absence of his mother, providing him with the love and care he needs.

In a surprise that left Justin in tears, the program arranged for him to meet Stephen Curry in person. During an interview setup, Justin was led to believe it was just another regular day, only to be introduced to his hero unexpectedly. Curry greeted the overwhelmed Justin with a warm embrace, offering him words of encouragement and gifting him a new pair of shoes along with a signed basketball. The encounter left Justin visibly emotional, but he expressed his deep gratitude, thanking the show and God for making his dream a reality.

This touching story is a testament to the power of dreams and the inspiration that role models can provide. For Justin, meeting Stephen Curry was more than just a moment of joy; it was a validation of his hard work and passion for basketball. As he continues to hone his skills, Justin now carries with him the motivation that comes from knowing his idol believes in him. His story is a reminder to all that with dedication and a little bit of luck, even the wildest dreams can come true.