Amanda Knapp
The longest basketball shot ever made is a hotly contested topic, with several contenders for the title. The Guinness World Record for the longest basketball shot is held by Joshua Walker, who made a shot of 113 feet and 6 inches in July 2022. However, in the NBA, there are several players who have made claims to the title, including Ziaire Williams, Magic Johnson, Baron Davis, and LeBron James. In college basketball, Bruce Morris made a shot of 89 feet and 10 inches in 1985, which remains the longest in the college game's history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Longest basketball shot | 34.6 metres (113 ft 6 in) |
| Name of the player | Joshua Walker |
| Location | Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA |
| Date | 22 July 2022 |
| Previous record holder | Elan Buller |
| Previous record distance | 112 ft 6 in |
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What You'll Learn
Joshua Walker made the longest basketball shot
Walker, a Louisiana basketball coach, showcased his exceptional talent during a GWR filming day, where he took on a series of long-distance basketball challenges. His name now stands proudly in the record books, surpassing the previous record held by Elan Buller, who achieved a shot of 112 feet, 6 inches in 2014.
During this extraordinary display of basketball prowess, Walker broke not just one, but an impressive five world records in a single day. In addition to the longest basketball shot, he claimed the records for the farthest behind-the-back basketball shot, farthest basketball hook shot, farthest basketball bounce shot, and farthest basketball shot made backward. Each of these achievements required a unique set of skills and a deep understanding of the game.
Walker's determination and focus were evident throughout the day. When discussing his experience, he shared his mindset and approach: "I just wanted to get it close to the goal as many times as I could, and eventually, one would go in." This persistence paid off, and he found himself celebrating not just one, but a remarkable string of record-breaking shots. Walker's name is now etched in basketball history, inspiring basketball enthusiasts and athletes worldwide.
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Ziaire Williams might have the longest NBA shot
Ziaire Williams, a 23-year-old basketball player from Lancaster, California, might have hit the longest shot in NBA history. Williams was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft and has since appeared in 150 regular-season games across three seasons for the Memphis Grizzlies. He currently plays as a forward for the Brooklyn Nets.
On January 22, 2023, Williams beat the third-quarter buzzer with a near full-court heave, which some believe could be the longest shot in NBA history. While the exact distance of the shot is unknown, estimates place it at around 79 to 86 feet, with one source claiming it looked longer than 79 feet. This distance is incredibly close to the longest shot in NBA history, currently held by Baron Davis.
Williams' shot is even more impressive when compared to other long-distance shots in NBA history. In 2007, LeBron James made a shot from the opposing foul line, which is an impressive 94 feet from the baseline. Williams' shot appears to have been released even further from the baseline, showcasing an incredible display of skill and power.
While there is some debate over whether Williams' shot is the longest in NBA history, it is undoubtedly one of the longest recorded shots. His natural talent and ability to make such a challenging shot further emphasize his potential and impact on the league. Williams is already making a name for himself in the NBA, and this incredible shot only adds to his growing list of achievements.
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Bruce Morris made the longest college basketball shot
On February 7, 1985, Bruce Morris made college basketball history by sinking what is considered the longest shot ever from 89 feet and 10 inches. Morris, the point guard for Marshall, made the shot, later dubbed the "Shot Herd Round the World," just before halftime against Appalachian State. The basket gave Marshall a boost, and they went on to defeat Appalachian State 93-82.
The play that led to the record-breaking shot began when Morris passed the ball to his 6-foot-9 forward with 12 seconds left in the first half. The forward's shot was blocked, and the ball was rebounded by the opposing team, who then attempted a layup. Marshall's Skeeter Roberts blocked the layup, and Morris chased down the ball as it was going out of bounds. Knowing the clock was expiring, he turned and heaved the ball down the court, and it sailed through the air and into the basket.
Officials initially measured the shot at 92 feet and 5.25 inches but later adjusted it to the official record distance of 89 feet and 10 inches. The shot broke the previous record set by Virginia Tech's Les Henson in 1980 against Florida State by a mere 0.7 inches. Morris's achievement was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, and Marshall commemorated the feat with a permanent reminder on its floor, marking Morris's footprints on the spot where he made history.
While Morris's shot stands as the longest in college basketball history, it is important to note that longer shots have been made since then. In 2022, Joshua Walker set a new record for the longest basketball shot by a male, making a shot from 113 feet and 6 inches. Additionally, Elan Buller held the record before Walker, with a shot of 112 feet and 6 inches in 2014. These achievements, however, do not diminish the significance of Bruce Morris's remarkable "Shot Herd Round the World," which remains a legendary moment in college basketball.
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Elan Buller held the record before Walker
Joshua Walker broke the world record for the longest basketball shot in July 2022, achieving a distance of 113 feet and 6 inches (approximately 34.6 metres). Before Walker, the record was held by Elan Buller, who, in 2014, made a basket from 112 feet and 6 inches.
Buller's achievement is even more impressive when compared to other long-distance shots in the history of the NBA. For example, in 2001, Baron Davis made a shot from what was thought to be 89 feet, which is considered the unofficial record for the longest NBA shot ever. Similarly, in 2007, LeBron James made a long-distance shot, and Magic Johnson hit a near full-court shot in 1987, both of which are often mentioned in discussions of the longest NBA shots.
Moving outside of the NBA, we can find other impressive long-distance shots. For instance, in 1985, Bruce Morris made an 89-foot and 10-inch shot, the longest known make in college basketball history. Even further back, in 1977, Norm Van Lier of the Chicago Bulls reportedly made an 84-foot shot, though this feat is only supported by word of mouth and lacks video evidence.
Elan Buller's record-breaking shot of 112 feet and 6 inches stands as a testament to their skill and precision. It is a significant achievement, especially when compared to other notable long-distance shots in basketball history, both within and outside of the NBA. Buller's record remained unbroken until Joshua Walker's remarkable 113-foot and 6-inch shot in 2022.
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Magic Johnson has the second-longest NBA shot
The longest basketball shot ever made by a male is 34.6 metres (113 ft 6 in), achieved by Joshua Walker in 2022. However, when it comes to the NBA, there is no official record of the longest shot. That being said, Magic Johnson is widely believed to have the second-longest shot in NBA history, hitting a near full-court shot in 1987. Johnson's shot is considered by many to be one of the three longest in the NBA, along with those of Ziaire Williams and Baron Davis.
Magic Johnson, also known as Earvin Johnson Jr., was a point guard, shooting guard, and power forward. Johnson played for the Lakers and is remembered for his court vision, swagger, and brilliant passing skills. He introduced a fast-paced style of basketball called "Showtime", which included no-look passes, pin-point alley-oops from half-court, and spinning feeds. Johnson's talent and unique style of play led him to NBA titles, MVPs, and more. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, he was the tallest point guard in NBA history when he entered the league.
In addition to his passing skills, Johnson was also a versatile player who could dominate a game without scoring. He could run the offense and distribute the ball with flair, often surprising defenders with his unpredictable plays. Johnson's performance in the clutch is regarded as one of the best in NBA history, and he is one of only four players to win NCAA and NBA championships in consecutive years.
Johnson's near full-court shot in 1987 is a testament to his incredible range and ability to make game-winning plays. While the exact distance of the shot is not known, it is believed to be one of the longest in NBA history, earning him the recognition of having the second-longest shot in the league.
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Frequently asked questions
The longest basketball shot ever made is 34.6 metres (113 ft 6 in) by Joshua Walker in Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA, on 22 July 2022.
There is no official record for the longest shot in NBA history. However, contenders for the title include Chicago Bulls guard Norm Van Lier with an 84-foot shot in 1977, Magic Johnson with a full-court shot in 1987, and Baron Davis with an 89-foot shot in 2001. More recently, Ziaire Williams of the Memphis Grizzlies made a 79-foot shot in 2023, which might be the longest shot in NBA history.
The longest college basketball shot ever made was by Marshall's Bruce Morris, who made an 89-foot, 10-inch shot on February 7, 1985.
