It was a return back to his alma mater for an NBA legend, a champion who helped kill the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal Lakers. Rip Hamilton, a guard with the Detroit Pistons and the Wizards was back where the world first witnessed his basketball genius. Returning to his college, the University of Connecticut, Hamilton had a highlight moment. And LeBron James couldn’t contain his excitement.

Hamilton played for the Huskies from 1996-1999. During his time there, he would have a sensational collegiate career. For three years with the UConn Huskies, Hamilton averaged a combined 19.8 points. It would eventually lead him to have a successful NBA career spanning 14 years in the NBA.

After 25 years of last stepping foot as a Huskies, Hamilton was back. His alma mater was taking on the Villanova during ESPN’s College Game Day. The spotlight was supposed to be on the game. However, Rip stole the entire attention, including that of LeBron James.

LeBron James hyped after Rip Hamilton hits wonder shot

In what he called “the greatest fans in the world”, Hamilton kept bouncing the ball on the court. He revisited the days he was running the show for the Huskies. He took a long look at the crowd Jay Williams asked him to take the shot. Hamilton said even though he didn’t have a UConn jersey on, he was accustomed to the arena itself.

“You know what’s crazy Jay. When you told me I had to shoot I didn’t have my UConn jersey on. But it’s okay. I made a lot of buckets here. So hopefully I can make one in front of the greatest fans,” said the Pistons legend. He was challenged to drain one from half-court.

Can you imagine what followed? The two-decade hiatus didn’t matter. The crowd stood still and Hamilton took a few dribbles. He took a run-up to the halfway line and it went in the air. What followed was Williams saying he wasn’t shooting. The cheerleaders raised their arms in elation. Finally, the crowd went berserk in rapturous cheers. That’s right, returning to the arena he took the steps towards his NBA journey, Rip Hamilton nailed the first attempt from half court.

He spread his arms wide. “That’s what we do” he yelled emphatically as the crowd reeled him on. There was no doubt Hamilton was the king of the Huskies once again. LeBron James almost immediately responded to the shot and was thoroughly impressed.

“RIP CITY!!!! Love Rip! Nailed that joint like it was nothing!” said James.

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The Huskies will face Villanova as aforementioned. The Huskies have been one of the best teams this season. They have a 24-3, one of the highest-ranked teams. Hamilton can be proud. And he also gave them one final present in the form of a half-court shot.