Duke Student Drains Half-Court Shot for $19K at College GameDay
A Thrilling Moment at Cameron Indoor Stadium
On February 1, 2025, Cameron Indoor Stadium was packed with excitement as ESPN’s College GameDay arrived at Duke University ahead of the heated Duke vs. UNC matchup. The event featured a thrilling half-court shot challenge, giving one lucky student a chance to win $19,000—a nod to State Farm’s 19,000 agents.
Among the hopeful participants was Raphael Lee, a junior biology major from Cary, North Carolina. With the crowd roaring in anticipation, Lee stepped onto the court, preparing for a life-changing shot.
The High-Stakes Half-Court Challenge
The rules were simple: contestants had 19 seconds to make a half-court shot. With the clock ticking, Lee attempted his first shot—a miss. His second shot—off the mark.
Then, with just moments left, he launched his third and final attempt.
Swish!
The ball soared through the net, securing the massive $19,000 prize and igniting an eruption of cheers from fans, students, and ESPN analysts.
Reactions from the Crowd
The electric moment was accompanied by enthusiastic reactions:
- "Don't throw the ball back!" – Urging Lee to stay focused.
- "No!" – Likely in response to his earlier misses.
- "He got a shot clock!" – A reminder of the ticking 19-second countdown.
- "Get that money!" & "Let's get that money!" – The crowd rallying behind Lee.
- "Yeah!" & "Give us that cash!" – Celebration as the shot went in.
The moment became an instant classic, fueling the excitement for the upcoming Duke vs. North Carolina Tar Heels clash.
The Tradition of ESPN’s Half-Court Challenges
Half-court contests like these have become a signature part of ESPN’s College GameDay, giving students the chance to win substantial prizes while building excitement before major games.
This event wasn’t just about the money—it was about capturing the energy of college basketball, bringing the Duke community together, and adding another legendary moment to Cameron Indoor Stadium’s storied history.
Key Takeaways
- Event: ESPN College GameDay at Duke University
- Date: February 1, 2025
- Winner: Raphael Lee, Duke junior biology major
- Prize: $19,000 from State Farm
- Challenge: 19 seconds to make a half-court shot
- Final Result: Missed first two shots, made the third
- Reaction: Crowd and ESPN analysts erupted in celebration
- Game: Preceded the Duke vs. UNC Tar Heels rivalry matchup
- Significance: Highlighted the excitement of College GameDay and the spirit of Duke basketball
Hashtags
#DukeBasketball #CollegeGameDay #HalfCourtShot #Basketball #MarchMadness #GoDuke #SportsMoment #ClutchShot #UNCvsDuke #BigWin