Iverson, one of the headliners of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016, delivered a captivating 31-minute speech Friday in which he overcame initial jitters to deliver a memorable address that featured multiple standing ovations from the crowd at Springfield’s Symphony Hall, with many in the balcony wearing No. 3 Iverson jerseys and cheering throughout his speech.
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Even with a bunch of little devils screaming – “Oh, well, what did you expect?” “Without them, it wouldn’t have happened”, said Iverson. One of the most star-packed classes in recent memory, it also featured worldwide star Yao Ming, WNBA great Sheryl Swoopes, coach Tom Izzo, and owner Jerry Reinsdorf, an architect in the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls championship teams of the 1990s.
“I imagined this for a long time”, said Yao, the Chinese giant who became the tallest player in Hall of Fame history at 7-foot-6 (2.29m).
Iverson, who missed Thursday’s jacket presentation at the Hall, also failed to show up for a scheduled appearance at a Springfield high school Friday, causing some Hall officials to wonder if he’d make it in time for his speech, scheduled for between 8:30 and 9 p.m. “He is the best coach in the country and to be in the Hall of Fame, as a basketball player or a coach, that’s what you dream about”.
“I chose to come to LSU because Coach Brown knew me when I was a nobody and he was always consistent”, O’Neal said.
No, there had to be a legitimate excuse.
“Nobody, and I mean nobody, cared more about the game of basketball than Jud”. “But I didn’t want to talk like him”. Asked about the delay, Iverson said it involved a personal situation; family..
O’Neal, as usual, became the star of the opening press conference of Hall of Fame weekend. “I don’t know if Shaq agrees with that”. Iverson’s past deeds have earned that.
“I walked out on the court and I looked at him, and for the first time in my life, a human being didn’t look real to me”, he said.
“I was a puppy”, he said.
“I treasure each and every moment. I’ve learned so much from you and well as your family”. “He’s a very special man who doesn’t take himself too serious”.
On that night, Iverson was a man at peace, content with life and looking forward to embrace more of it. Allen Iverson, straight outta Hampton, does it his way and always has. I thank you all for the support over the years.
However, the day they have all been waiting for is just around the corner, and fans can catch it on NBATV or NBA.com for a live stream and recap. I’m cool with the person they raised.
O’Neal said he spent three seasons thinking Yao was not able to speak English, then was dazzled at moves the superstar made and said good move Yao and Yao responded with, “Thanks my brother”.
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“When it came to basketball, obviously I wanted to me like Mike”. When I go, I don’t want nobody to go, ‘Oh, did you hear Allen Iverson died? “I love everyone tonight”.
