Feature photo by Carly Vadinsky
By Shawn Jones
Comedian and actor Adam Sandler unexpectedly stopped by to play pickup basketball at William Peace University on Sept. 11.
A few students were lucky enough to be sitting courtside. What started as just a regular Thursday swiftly evolved into a school event that students claim they will always remember.
Wearing his signature fit – a large polo, baggy shorts, and basketball shoes – Sandler pulled up to the gym with a squad ready to hoop. He filled the gym with energy even though there were only about 15 to 20 people sitting in the stands.
Most students who attended found it to be an unforgettable moment.
“I watched him on TV growing up, and being able to watch him in person is an indescribable feeling,” said sophomore basketball player Elijah Cathcart. “A real staple in the movie industry, always been one of my favorite actors.”
The event was very low-key. According to Sandler’s security team, they did not want a lot of people coming in and out of the gym.
Additionally, they also notified some students not to record, but the genuine excitement caused them to do so anyway.
Sandler, who is well-known for his passion for basketball and down-to-earth personality, stopped in Raleigh while on the East Coast to perform in his comedy show. He goes on tours all over the country and plays pickup basketball in each city he visits.
His peaceful appearance became an unplanned celebrity sighting and a chance for students to bond, even though no public engagement had been planned.
Beau Bryant, alumnus of the men’s basketball team, ended up guarding Sandler for a portion of the game, stating, “He was just chill.” He’s not trying to show off. He is just having fun and making others laugh. He also has a sneaky jumper.”
The squad played five games to 21 points, with substitutions every now and then. Sandler, known for his work on Saturday Night Live and movies such as Happy Gilmore, was smiling, laughing, and enjoying his time throughout his time at Peace.
Pickup games allow him to relax and maintain his fitness without the stress of a planned workout or public appearance. He has reportedly been seen at several public courts around the nation while on comedy tours with his friends, choosing to play pickup games over regular media appearances, according to a piece from The Ringer.
According to the Athletic Director and Head Coach of the men’s basketball team, Claude Shields, he knows a friend of Sandler’s and was able to get the connection to have a celebrity come to Peace.
Many students celebrated in surprise, but others were disappointed that they had missed this special opportunity.
Tyler Whitehurst, a sophomore men’s basketball player, commented on the event.
“I was literally 100 feet away in the dining hall,” said Whitehurst. “He had left by the time I arrived. Before I noticed the videos going viral on Snapchat, I had no idea.”
Most students agreed that the visit’s surprise added to its memorable significance despite their mixed feelings.
“In fact, I wish I had seen him, too,” said Jordan France, a senior communication major. “Although it’s cool to know that he was here, that alone gives the campus something to talk about for a while.”
Overall, clips of the games have racked up thousands of views on TikTok and Instagram. This shows students the benefits of being on campus and in the right place at the right time.
“Meeting a celebrity was cool,” Cathcart said. “But the fact that he made it seem normal is what truly remained with me. No ego. All he wanted to do was play ball.”