COLUMN: Number retirement well-deserved for Hornacek
SALT LAKE CITY – I’ll admit it. I played with Barbies when I was little. Somewhere along the way, though, my interests changed. I discovered my love for basketball, but more importantly, my love for one player in particular – Jeff Hornacek.
Over time, my admiration for him developed into somewhat of an obsession.
When I was in eighth grade I had the opportunity to interview the former guard for Homecourt Magazine, the official publication of the Utah Jazz.
Because the Jazz were in the middle of a playoff series with the Spurs, the interview was conducted over the phone and pictures were later taken following a home game.
I don’t remember a word I said to Jeff – I was so nervous.
When the magazine came out, I was really proud. At the tender age of 14, I had met my hero. To this day I carry around the picture we had taken on the hardwood. Although it has become torn and tattered, the memories are still there.
Nearly four years after our initial interview, I ran into Jeff at an exhibition Jazz game held in Ogden. I had the magazine with me in hopes of getting an autograph – I didn’t have the whole journalism ethics thing down yet.
Prior to the game, I leaned over the rail and yelled his name. Jeff came over, said he remembered me and that he would sign the magazine afterwards.
I had my doubts if he’d return.
Hornacek, being the kind down-to-earth guy he is, did reappear.
Then came his retirement. I was devastated. The world as I knew it was changing. I was about to graduate high school, my favorite T.V. show, “Boy Meets World,” was going off the air, and my basketball hero was lacing up his shoes for the last time.
I wasn’t going to miss his final regular season game.
The final chapter of my Jeff book came in play Tuesday. When I heard the Utah Jazz decided to retire his number, I knew it would be the conclusion to one of the greatest segments of my life.
I stood at the Delta Center in amazement. The Jazz held a hefty halftime lead, yet not a soul left his seat during the 18-minute halftime jersey-retirement ceremony.
Although most eyes remained dry on the floor, including mine, it was hard to fight back the tears.
“I thank you for what you have done for the fans, this organization and the Jazz,” said team owner Larry H. Miller. “The state of Utah is a lot better off because you and your family are here. You represent what we’ve tried to do with this franchise.”
Miller was right. Not only was Jeff the epitome of a fine basketball player and an upstanding guy, he happened to be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Jeff helped the Jazz advance twice to the NBA Finals – something the team had failed to do previously.
“Watching those highlights brought back some memories,” Jeff said of a video shown during the presentation. “Maybe I made some lucky shots, made some lucky passes.”
I think not.
Following the game, Jazz Head Coach Jerry Sloan said most boys grow up dreaming of being Michael Jordan. He suggested, however, for boys to look at Jeff Hornacek to see what playing basketball is all about.
Skill. Jeff wasn’t born with God-given skill, but he certainly worked his tail off to obtain it.
After a small press conference in the media room, I had an opportunity to talk to Jeff. I asked if he remembered me and he said I looked familiar.
I mentioned the Homecourt interview from nearly seven years ago and a smile crossed his face. He did remember. And although I will probably never see Jeff in an NBA uniform again, I will never forget how his positive attitude and high morals influenced the person I am today.
Julie Ann Grosshans is a junior majoring in print journalism. Comments can be sent to juag@cc.usu.edu.