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Stockton's No. 12 retired prior to Jazz's loss
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-11-23 17:00
The Utah Jazz retired the No. 12, which John Stockton put on twenty years
ago, on the court at the halftime celebration during Utah's home game against
New Orleans in Salt Lake city Monday night.
Stockton was at presence with dozens of friends, including former teammates
Karl Malone, and his family. Stockton had to wait for a long ovation to die down
before he could address the packed arena, according to a TV report reaching
here.
"I want you all to take pride in it because you all had something to do with
it," Stockton told the fans. "I felt welcome every day I played out here. This
is home."
Stockton and his children pulled the chord that unveiled the giant No. 12
hanging from the rafters.
Plenty of players and coaches from Stockton's past were on hand.
Frank Layden, Utah's coach when Stockton was drafted in 1984, said he had to
be talked in to using the 16th overall pick on the kid from Gonzaga. He also
credited Stockton with helping turn around a struggling franchise in a small
market and keeping it here.
Jerry Sloan, who took over for Layden 17 years ago and has heldthe job ever
since, choked up with emotion as he thanked Stockton.
"He set a terrific standard here with this organization," Sloansaid. "With
his attitude, with his approach to practice. Every single day, he was going to
be the best he could be."
Stockton's number is the fifth to be retired, putting him in the rafters with
Pete Maravich (7), Darrell Griffith (35), Eaton (53) and Jeff Hornacek (14). A
No. 32 is sure to be lifted when Malone retires.
Stockton played his entire career for the Jazz, and holds NBA records for
most assists in a season (1,164 in 1990-91) and average per game in a season
(14.5 in 1989-90).
However, it was so bad for the former star of the Jazz to watchhis young
generation lose to the ex-winless team with a low score of 76-75.
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