PAT RILEY STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF JERRY WEST
PAT RILEY STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF JERRY WEST Pat Riley, a former player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has released a statement expressing his love for Jerry West and fond memories of him. The statement includes a tearful tribute to West, who was instrumental in his coaching and success. Riley credits West for allowing him to coach and instilled confidence in his ability to succeed. He also mentions that West was smart, committed, opinionated, fearless, generous, and ultra-competitive, but with great grace. Riley thanks West for giving him the opportunity to coach.
Опубликовано : 2 недели назад от Miami Heat в Sports
“I loved Jerry West! We loved being Lakers together; it was sacred ground. We grew in life with each other and shared the best and worst of times together. We can only hope there is someone we meet during a crucial time in our lives that will change you in ways you could dream about. Jerry was that person for me.
“Today’s sad, sad news about his passing brought back many of those special moments with Jerry. Those beautiful memories came in a waterfall of tears; all coming so fast, so vivid, so etched in my mind. It was like yesterday after a shootaround at The Forum that we’d hustle to Hollis Johnson’s drugstore in Westwood to eat the best burgers, drink milkshakes and savor a great custard pudding with fresh whipped cream before we headed home to nap. Then it was game time and Jerry would kick ass in a way that was so skilled and relentless. I was so proud to be there in his presence. I watched, I learned. He made me believe. Being in that aura of greatness was mesmerizing. I was told, ‘Pat, Just watch him and model yourself after Jerry.’ He was smart, committed, opinionated, fearless, generous, ultra-competitive, stubborn, but with great grace. These were just some of the characteristics he embedded in my psyche. They emerged at the right time, honed by many years of self-talking Jerry reminders. Jerry kicked down that coaching door for me and said, you can do this, but it has to be now. He knew, then he let me coach. I thank him forever and always for giving me that opportunity.
Темы: Basketball, NBA, Miami Heat