RENO, Nevada–A University of Nevada student has won a year’s worth of free tuition courtesy of a local credit union and his own basketball shooting abilities.
Rhys York won the prize from Greater Nevada Credit Union after he hit a half-court shot during a University of Nevada basketball game inside the Lawlor Events Center.
"I was on cloud nine, because tuition, I was like oh my gosh I don't have to worry about school now that I am a junior, and my senior year is paid for," York told local KTVN News after making the shot.
According to the report, York wasn't planning on attending the game after his exam but his friends convinced him to come. Halfway through the first quarter he was approached by a representative with Greater Nevada Credit Union, KTVN said.
Wait, Not for $1,000?
"She came up to me and asked if I wanted to take a half-court shot for 1,000 dollars, so I was like sure, heck yeah. So I get down there and it’s like two minutes before I have to take the shot. She was like it's actually for a year’s tuition, so I got way more nervous," says York.
Using a running start, York then hit the shot.
"We’re going to congratulate him, have a little bit of fun with him along the way, then find out how we can really help him make a difference with this next year by giving him free tuition," Danny Delarosa, chief development officer at GNCU told the news outlet.
"I'm going to try to not let it go to my head as much, and try to sit in the moment. I'm going to enjoy it while I have it," York added.
The news report, including video of the made shot, can be found here.