MIAMI.- Pat Riley stood up in front of 20,000 people on Wednesday. And everyone seemed to be celebrating while the Miami heat officially named the field after himself.
But when it came time to conclude his speech and end the halftime celebration on the “Pat Riley Court,” the Basketball Hall of Famer and team president spoke to just one person: his wife, Chris.
“It will all end here one day. And that mark here and that mark there, that’s what it’s all about, honey,” Riley said, pointing to the two spots on the court that now bear his signature and name. “We did it. We did it. I love you. Thanks.”
Many former players – including Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic, Mike Miller and Jamal Mashburn – returned for the ceremony, and many others sent messages of thanks to Riley. The decision to name the court after him was not his idea; Heat managing partner Micky Arison informed him of the decision on September 22, completely surprising him.
“This is beyond what my imagination could conceive of as a reward for a man’s life’s work,” Riley said. “We like big dreams and Micky made mine come true. It wasn’t something I wanted or pursued, but I’ll take it.”
Riley came to Miami in 1995 to become coach and team president. He stopped coaching twice: first in 2003 and then permanently in 2008, but not before leading Miami to its first title in 2006.
The last time he stopped being a coach, he promoted Erik Spoelstra to be his replacement. Spoelstra is completing 17 years in office.
“I think it’s a really special moment, not just for me, but for a lot of us in the building,” said Spoelstra, who, along with the rest of the coaching staff, wore Nike Cortez sneakers on Wednesday in honor of Riley, who I preferred them when I trained. “The years pass quickly; 30 years are like the blink of an eye. You have taken us all on this journey and we are forever grateful for that. “He gave us a plan to follow that leads to victory.”
The court document Riley received as a commemorative plaque read: “On September 1, 1995, the future of the Miami Heat changed forever.” Alonzo Mourning, now the Heat’s vice president, was the first big-name player Riley brought to South Florida.
“Coach, 30 years ago you welcomed me to this franchise with an open heart and a unique vision of hosting a championship parade on Biscayne Boulevard,” Mourning said. “And since our first season here in Miami, you have done nothing but fulfill that vision time and time again, with a mix of class and competitiveness that this sport has never seen and will never see.”
Riley noted that he coached 188 players in his career with the Los Angeles, New York and Miami Lakers – more than 100 of them in his Heat days alone. He thanked everyone, his team, other executives, his family and other people.
The protagonist of the night
But it was his wife, who helped organize Wednesday’s event, who was the target of his comments repeatedly. Riley even gave details of how they met.
“I want to do well,” Riley said. “It was a summer night on a crowded mezzanine in San Diego and I saw perfection. The most beautiful woman ever, her flowery summer dress swaying gently as she walked towards me. I saw those brown eyes and my heart skipped a beat… I went for her like Udonis Haslem was going for a loose ball on that court right there.”
SOURCE: SHOVEL