Oh heck Prodigy, well as far as players, I have a few who are my favorites (though I cant say that I don't like everyone on the team similarly), in terms of hoops skill and pure play, Deron Williams, as far as biggest heart, Mehmet Okur and Raja Bell, and Jeremy Evans has to be my favorite rookie (sorry Gordon but you are just too quiet and shy for your own good). Of course like most, John Stockton and Karl Malone are also favs. I first met them long ago, and the impression that was made on me sealed the deal for me as a lifetime fan! But really every one, from the staff, coaches, players, former players, and even the management have all been totally awesome to me.
As for stories, I probably have enough to write a book, perhaps my favorite in the last few years though (aside from moments in games) has to be courtesy of Big Fes. I managed to find a game worn jersey of his in the Fanzz store when they put some of the used stuff on the racks. I was the first one in there, and snagged it right off, it was the ONLY one in there. It is quite frankly a tent! Well I decided to have him sign it mid-season last year. Ross Siler was there when Fes signed it, and commented that he thought Fes was gonna flip that someone had one of his jerseys, and wanted it signed. He was right, Fes stopped to chat, and I asked him to sign it, he was shocked and wide eyed when he saw that it was one of his and smiled while asking where I got it. I told him and he was so excited that someone cared enough to have one of his jerseys, AND want it signed. Later on last season I asked him if that was the first one, and he told me at that time at least, that it was the first and ONLY one. When I asked him early this season he also said it was the only one he had done, so I have to assume that I own quite likely the only autographed game worn Kyrylo Fesenko Utah Jazz jersey on earth. The fact that it was the first is certainly VERY special to me. He always runs at me and high fives me, sometimes nearly knocking me out of my chair, or landing on me as he runs towards me, just a big kid with tons of energy. There have been hundred if not thousands of those little moments over the years, and each is as special to me as the next. The items that I have that are autographed, which given that I see most players every game, i could have TONS of stuff, but anyways, the few things I have that are signed were gotten for myself, and as such are totally priceless to me.
Each and every one represents a special moment, game or time. From Stockton and Malone autographs, a pair of Karl's game worn wrist bands, to shoes gifted to me by Kyle Korver and Mehmet Okur, and the jerseys I have gotten signed over the years, and even a game worn warmup jacket that the entire team signed 2 years ago. Each and every item represents a special moment, and while I do have some things signed, I dont beg for autographs, and the players know that every item they sign or give me (on the beyond rare occasion that there IS something to be signed) is for my personal collection. Many of them have seen pictures of my Master Bedroom where every wall is covered in signed gear. Items that represent memories... Things such as the ticket from the suite that we sat in last year when Sundiata hit the famous shot, which I had him sign the next game, to even a replica signed Hornacek jersey, authentic Memo that is signed, and even a game work AK that is signed... Aside from my dog and my wheelchair, they are my most prized possessions! Even above my medals and trophies from Quad Rugby (Murderball) and photos and artwork from my life since getting hurt. I guess that is part of being a fan... loving your team, almost to a fault! Anyways, I have rambled on enough for the moment, if anyone wants to hear more from my life of fandom, I would be glad to write more, just let me know...
Brandon
