Prove It: Asher Perlman’s Quest to Almost Dun

Asher Perlman had always been a dreamer. Growing up in a small town, he often found himself lost in thoughts of grandeur, imagining himself as a star athlete, a renowned actor, or even a world-class musician. However, reality often had a way of grounding him. He was an average guy with average skills, but that didn’t stop him from dreaming big. One day, while watching a basketball game, he saw Ja Morant, a rising star in the NBA, perform an incredible dunk that left the crowd in awe. In that moment, something clicked in Asher’s mind. He texted a friend, “I think I could do that if you gave me six months.”

His friend, amused by the text, shared it with Stephen Colbert, the host of “The Late Show.” To Asher’s surprise, he was invited to the show to prove his claim. The segment, humorously titled “Prove It,” became a monthly feature where Asher would attempt to dunk a basketball, with Stephen cheering him on and providing comedic commentary. The first few attempts were filled with enthusiasm but ended in failure. Asher’s lack of experience and athleticism became painfully evident, but he was determined to improve.

Stephen, seeing Asher’s dedication, decided to help him out. He arranged for Asher to get a gym membership and even set him up with legendary basketball coach Rick Pitino. Asher was thrilled. He felt like he was on the path to achieving his dream. However, the journey was not without its challenges. Just before his first training session, Asher underwent shoulder surgery, which left him with limited mobility. Despite this setback, he pushed through, determined to make progress.

As the months went by, Asher faced numerous obstacles. His knees ached after every practice, and he often found himself sidelined due to back pain. He joked that even a stiff breeze could throw out his back. Yet, he remained committed to his goal. He trained hard, often practicing at a local gym or shooting hoops at a nearby park. Each month, he returned to the show, sharing his progress with Stephen and the audience. The side-by-side comparisons of his attempts next to Ja Morant’s dunks became a running gag, with Stephen humorously pointing out how Asher’s jumps barely reached the rim.

Despite the laughter and light-hearted banter, Asher’s journey was taking a toll on him. He had invested so much time and energy into this goal, yet he still hadn’t managed to dunk. The pressure began to weigh heavily on him. He started to question whether he was chasing a pipe dream. Was it foolish to think he could achieve something so far out of reach? But every time he felt like giving up, he remembered the thrill of the chase, the excitement of trying something new, and the support of his friends and family.

One day, while visiting a cottage in Michigan, Asher found a basketball hoop in the driveway. It was a perfect opportunity to practice. He spent hours shooting hoops, determined to get closer to his goal. After several attempts, he finally felt like he was making progress. He recorded a video of his best attempt and sent it to Stephen, who was eager to share it with the audience. The moment arrived, and as the video played, the crowd erupted in cheers. Asher had come closer than ever to dunking, but it still wasn’t quite there.

When he returned to the show for the finale of “Prove It,” Asher was filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. He had worked hard, but the reality of his limitations loomed over him. Stephen welcomed him back with open arms, and the audience cheered. Asher shared his journey, the ups and downs, and the incredible people he had met along the way, including the legendary Robert De Niro, who had given him a compliment after one of his attempts.

Asher reflected on his experience, realizing that while he hadn’t achieved his ultimate goal of dunking, the journey had been worthwhile. He had learned valuable lessons about perseverance, dedication, and the importance of having something to strive for. He quoted a line from “The Man of La Mancha,” a musical that resonated with him: “To dream the impossible dream.” He explained how the song’s message about pursuing dreams, even if they seem unattainable, had inspired him throughout his journey.

The audience listened intently as Asher spoke, and Stephen chimed in with his usual humor, reminding everyone that even if Asher couldn’t dunk, he had certainly entertained them. Asher smiled, realizing that the laughter and joy he brought to others were just as important as any athletic achievement. He had become a symbol of hope and determination, proving that the journey itself could be just as fulfilling as the destination.

As the show came to a close, Stephen encouraged Asher to take one final shot at dunking. The crowd held its breath as Asher approached the hoop, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He took a deep breath, focused on the rim, and leaped into the air. Time seemed to slow as he soared, but as he reached the peak of his jump, he realized he wasn’t going to make it. He landed softly, a smile on his face, knowing that he had given it his all.

The audience erupted in applause, not for the dunk that never happened, but for the spirit of determination and the joy of the journey. Asher Perlman may not have been able to dunk, but he had achieved something far greater: he had inspired others to chase their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. And in that moment, he understood that sometimes, the pursuit of a dream is the most rewarding part of all.