Welcome to another edition of The Sunday Funnies, a regular feature devoted solely to the lighter side of life. This week’s edition features a match-up between 2-year-old basketball star Titus and Jimmy Kimmel that aired on national TV on Feb. 22. Parents are always anxious to get their kids involved in a sport, but the Asby family from Kansas took it one step further when they posted a YouTube video of tiny Titus making trick shots galore. Their video went viral, became an Internet sensation, and a young star was born.
Titus made an appearance on “Today” on Thursday and late night comedian Jimmy Kimmel challenged the talented tot to a one-on-one competition on Friday. Jimmy shot first and tried his best to make as many free throws as possible in 45 seconds. Titus, who was not stressed out by the bright lights and cheering audience, stepped up to the free throw line and dazzled the audience with his mini maneuvers, sinking the ball like Michael Jordan. Kimmel tried his best to thwart Titus' moves, but there was no stopping the pint-sized basketball star. At the end of the competition, Jimmy Kimmel awarded the entire Asby family with a trip to Disney World.
As a baby, Titus would often sit with his dad while he watched the Miami Heat play. “Titus has always loved balls,” his dad told the “Desert News.” “He spends maybe 10 percent of his free time playing with toys, and 90 percent he just gets balls and shoots them.”
Titus’ mom said that she never expected that their YouTube video would go viral and become such a huge hit. As of Feb. 24, the video has been viewed close to nine million times and the number is growing by the minute. More than 15,000 people have commented on Titus’ mad basketball skills. Below are a few Facebook posts from Saturday.
- “I know why this adorable kid can do this. Because nobody told him that it was not possible. Great job mom & dad. Way to go.”
- "A legend will rise again.”
- “He can be the next Michael Jordan.”
- “The next buzzer beater in NBA.”
- “Lucky parents have a future star!”
- “This little guy’s a champ.”
- “This kid is a prodigy.”
- “He will be famous one day.”
- “Get him on a basketball team as soon as you can! He’s gonna be amazing.”
To watch the original YouTube video of 2-year-old basketball prodigy Titus, click on this YouTube link. To watch Jimmy Kimmel challenge the talented tot, be sure to check out the above video. To watch a continuation of the Jimmy Kimmel match-up, check it out here.
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