Dwyane Wade, Alonzo Mourning, Goran Dragic, Udonis Haslem, Mike Miller, Jamal Mashburn… There were a lot of people there to attend the inauguration of the “ Pat Riley Court”, the new name of the court at the Kaseya Center, the Heat’s home.
The love story between the Florida franchise (born in 1988) and its president, who has worn the hats of management and coach of the team, dates back more than thirty years. “ How much do you think it will cost to win a title? ”, he remembers hearing from Micky Arison, the owner, when he was recruited in 1995.
The businessman will have his answer in 2006, the year of the club's first title. Two others will follow in 2012 and 2013, around the “Big Three” with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The piece of land Pat Riley received as a memorial plaque reads: “ On September 1, 1995, the future of the Miami Heat changed forever. »
“ This is a reward beyond even my imagination for a lifetime's work. We are big dreamers and Micky made mine come true. It wasn't something I wanted or aimed for, but I'll take it “, blurted the man with slicked back hairwho retired from coaching in 2008, making way for Erik Spoelstra.
Thanks from Alonzo Mourning
The president, who has long paid tribute to his wife Chris (“ I threw myself at her like Udonis Haslem will throw himself at a ball lying around on this field ), recalls having coached 188 players during his career at the Lakers, New York and Miami, including more than 100 during the Heat era alone. Among them is Alonzo Mourning, the first big-name player Pat Riley lured to South Florida.
“ Coach, thirty years ago, you welcomed me into this franchise with an open heart and a singular vision, that of organizing a title parade on Biscayne Boulevard. And since then, you've done nothing but bring that vision to life over and over and over again – with a blend of class and competitiveness that this game has never known and will never know again », blurts out the former pivot.
The latter, now vice-president of the club, ended up winning this promised ring in 2006, when he was at the end of his career.
“ This is a very special moment, not only for me but for many of us in this room. These years pass quickly. Thirty years goes by in the blink of an eye. He accompanied us all on this adventure and we are eternally grateful to him. He gave us a model to follow that leads to victory “, concludes Erik Spoelstra, the current coach of the Heat.
