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Forward Ben Humrichous is making headlines this week for the most unexpected of reasons. No, it has nothing to do production on the court or his recent commitment Big Ten basketball power Illinois.
Rather, the talented transfer is being mistaken for a jokester whose antics went viral years ago during a television broadcast.
Now, we’ve all seen those “Wanna feel old?” posts that often circulate social media when a childhood hero fades into the next phase of life.
That can be the result of, say, a sports superstar’s son or daughter entering the spotlight as a college or professional player. Or maybe an actor resurfacing in a new role makes you second-guess your age as you just don’t want to believe that time’s passed quite as quickly it has.
In Ben Humrichous’s case, it revolves around the personality from a popular sports moment popping up years later.
Coastal Carolina won the College World Series in 2016, taking down Arizona in the Finals. Prior to reaching that decisive title series, though, they had to knock off TCU in an elimination showdown.
During the broadcast of that contest, a young fan went viral for refusing to break eye contact with ESPN cameras.
The result was an epic stare down that quickly circulated social outlets.
Fast forward nearly a decade, and that clip has resurfaced in connection with Ben Humrichous’s commitment decision. Is the Illinois transfer the kid from the video?
One X account would lead you to believe so!
Crazy that the viral College World Series kid is playing basketball for Illinois now. pic.twitter.com/SAg3TqDMMY
— Craig Choate (@craigwchoate) April 30, 2024
The user posted that video alongside images of Humrichous with a caption that read, “Crazy that the viral College World Series kid is playing basketball for Illinois now.”
You have to admit, there is a resemblance!
Humrichous, however, is not the viral CWS personality, but he has seen the post. The hooper hilariously responded to the case of mistaken identity online.
“No way this is how I go viral,” he quipped with a retweet of the comparison.
The original poster of the misinformation, an Illinois basketball fan, responded in the comments section by saying, “Sorry about this man! Did not think this reaction would happen! Too many people think it’s true. Happy to have you in.”
Where are the community notes??
All’s well that ends well in this case as everyone had fun with the post.
Ben Humrichous will suit up for his senior season in Champaign looking to help the Illini get back to the NCAA Tournament. He’ll attempt to show fans who he really is when he steps foot on the floor.