Connie Hawkins, Phoenix Suns legend, remembered at memorial service
[ad_1]
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Buckle up, Lonzo Ball | 1:51
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Greg Moore discuss the Lakers’ Lonzo Ball and ASU playing Utah this weekend.
1 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Suns opener goes horribly wrong | 2:02
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Greg Moore discuss the Phoenix Suns’ loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in the first game of the season.
2 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Watson reacts to record-setting blowout loss in opener | 0:55
Suns coach Earl Watson on a season-opening loss to the Trail Blazers that set a franchise record for the worst loss in team history.
3 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bledsoe on blowout loss in opener | 1:03
Suns guard Eric Bledsoe reacts to a blowout loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in the season opener.
4 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bordow recaps a season-opening rout | 0:43
Scott Bordow recaps the Suns’ season-opening blowout loss to Portland.
5 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns fans: What do they know? Do they know things?? Let’s find out | 3:14
azcentral sports’ Chris Cole talks to Suns fans outside of Talking Stick Resort Arena before Phoenix’s season opener on Wednesday. Yihyun Jeong/azcentral sports
6 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Suns’ opener – Josh Jackson a starter? | 1:58
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Scott Bordow discuss the season opener for the Phoenix Suns.
7 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Earl Watson on expectations during scrimmage | 0:48
Suns coach Earl Watson on his expectations for his team ahead of a scrimmage at training camp.
8 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Eric Bledsoe talks at Suns camp | 0:57
Suns guard Eric Bledsoe on pushing through fatigue at training camp and the team’s talent.
9 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns coach Earl Watson talks at Suns camp | 0:49
Suns coach Earl Watson on camp conditioning, Dragan Bender’s play.
10 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Earl Watson on state of Suns players at camp | 0:38
“Overall everyone seems healthy and that’s positive,” the Suns coach said.
11 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Dragan Bender discusses his mindset at Suns camp | 0:30
The Phoenix Suns forward is eager to improve in his season NBA season.
12 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Devin Booker on Suns training camp | 0:53
Suns guard Devin Booker talks about his goals entering his third season with the Suns as training camp begins. Scott Bordow/ azcentral sports
13 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Phoenix Suns coach Earl Watson | 0:54
Phoenix Suns coach Earl Watson talks about the team’s commitment this season, and the players who spent their off-seasons living in the Phoenix area and working out as a group. Scott Bordow/ azcentral sports
14 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Phoenix Suns training camp Day 1 | 0:32
The Phoenix Suns run the three-man weave as the team’s training camp opens in Flagstaff. Scott Bordow/ azcentral sports
15 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Phoenix Suns Devin Booker at Media Day | 1:57
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker talks about his game, his idol and hopes for this season during press conference at Phoenix Suns Media Day Talking Stick Resort Arena, Monday, September 25, 2017. Tom Tingle/ azcentral sports
16 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns’ Jared Dudley on reaction to President Trump | 1:38
Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley talks about the controversy surrounding statements made by President Trump about players not standing for the national anthem. Dudley spoke at the Suns media day at Talking Stick Resort Arena, September 25, 2017.
17 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Greg Moore interviews Suns owner Robert Sarver | 2:09
Greg Moore of azcentral sports interviews Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver, Wednesday, September 20, 2017. || Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
18 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Scott Bordow interviews Suns center Alan Williams | 2:28
Scott Bordow of azcentral sports interviews Phoenix Suns center Alan Williams, Wednesday, September 20, 2017. || Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
19 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Phoenix Suns Charities donates $1 million | 1:40
Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver announces that Phoenix Suns Charities is donating $1 million to renovate 50 neighborhood basketball courts in Arizona in honor of the 50th anniversary of the NBA franchise.. || Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
20 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns unveil ‘Statement Edition’ uniform | 0:29
Eric Bledsoe shows off the new Nike Statement Edition uniform for the Suns.
21 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Markelle Fultz thinks Sixers are playoff bound | 0:59
No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz is confident his team is primed for big things this season. USA TODAY Sports
22 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: ASU QB fail? Suns ‘lose’ Kyrie | 2:08
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley weigh in on ASU’s quarterback situation and the Suns not trading for Kyrie Irving.
23 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: LeBron-Bledsoe link may help Suns | 2:02
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the latest on Kyrie Irving in Cleveland and the ramifications it could hold for Phoenix.
24 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Jackson included in Irving rumors | 2:04
azcentral sports’ Dan Bickley and Jay Dieffenbach have different opinions on including Josh Jackson in a deal for Cavaliers’ star Kyrie Irving. They share their thoughts in our Shot Clock video.
25 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Kyrie Irving to Suns? | 1:58
Greg Moore and Jay Dieffenbach talk Phoenix Suns trade rumors and Cardinals camp in our Shot Clock video.
26 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Robert Sarver discusses Suns’ arena situation | 1:40
Suns’ Robert Sarver discusses his team’s arena situation during a press conference on Wednesday at Talking Stick Resort Arena.
27 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: NBA Summer League taking toll? | 2:02
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Mark Faller discuss the NBA Summer League and the Diamondbacks in our Shot Clock video.
28 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Mike James on his 32-point performance in loss to Grizzlies | 2:32
Suns guard Mike James on his high-quality performance in a summer-league loss to Memphis.
29 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Summer Suns coach Marlon Garnett discusses Phoenix’s win | 1:25
Suns summer league coach Marlon Garnett talks about Phoenix’s first-round win over the Jazz in the NBA Summer League tournament on Wednesday. Andrew Vailliencourt/azcentral sports
30 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Josh Jackson on his increasing comfort | 2:37
Suns first-rounder Josh Jackson talks about the Suns’ first-round win in the NBA Summer League tournament in Vegas on Wednesday. Andrew Vailliencourt/azcentral sports
31 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Marquese Chriss on Suns’ defensive effort | 1:55
Suns forward Marquese Chriss talks about the Suns’ first-round win over the Jazz in the NBA Summer League tournament in Vegas on Wednesday. Andrew Vailliencourt/azcentral sports
32 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Playoffs for D-Backs and Suns? | 1:54
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Sarah McLellan talk about the playoff odds for the Diamondbacks and the Suns as well as a big upcoming fight in our Shot Clock video.
33 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns Davon Reed and Alec Peters talk Summer League | 1:18
Phoenix Suns draft picks Davon Reed and Alec Peters talk about the NBA Summer League as the squad prepares to depart for Las Vegas.
34 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Josh Jackson fits with Suns | 1:59
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Doug Haller discuss Josh Jackson and the Suns and the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers.
35 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: How should Suns, D-Backs prioritize improvement? | 2:05
Mark Faller and Dan Bickley discuss how the Suns handled free agency in a loaded West and the Diamondbacks’ options when it comes to rolling the dice on the trade market with the Dodgers in command of the West.
36 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns rookie Josh Jackson on first summer league practice | 1:21
Suns first-rounder Josh Jackson discusses Phoenix’s first summer league practice on Tuesday at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Doug Haller/azcentral sports
37 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Suns’ Bender, Chriss address expectations for Summer League | 2:30
Second-year Suns players Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss offer some insight into what the Suns’ expectations are heading into the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas after practice on Tuesday. Richard Morin/azcentral sports
38 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS What to expect from Suns in NBA free agency | 1:54
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Doug Haller discuss what the Suns might do when the NBA free agency period begins Friday night.
39 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Why did Josh Jackson not work out for Boston? | 2:20
Phoenix Suns GM Ryan McDonough and Josh Jackson discuss why the team’s No. 4 overall pick decided not to work out for the Celtics, who had the No. 3 pick.
Suns Davon Reed and Alec Peters talk Summer League
Shot Clock: Josh Jackson fits with Suns
Shot Clock: How should Suns, D-Backs prioritize improvement?
Suns rookie Josh Jackson on first summer league practice
Suns’ Bender, Chriss address expectations for Summer League
What to expect from Suns in NBA free agency
Why did Josh Jackson not work out for Boston?
Friends, family and Phoenix Suns royalty on Friday honored the franchise’s first legend Connie Hawkins with stories that painted him as an easygoing and loving man.
As a ballplayer, Hawkins was the predecessor to the NBA as we know it.
With his big hands and high-flying style of play, Hawk influenced Dr. J. Julius Erving, in turn, influenced Michael Jordan and “His Airness” influenced everyone who’s played since.
Hawkins will be remembered for his “swoop to the hoop,” but he should also be celebrated for his “loving soul,” Suns announcer Al McCoy said at Talking Stick Resort Arena to a crowd of about 300 people.
Here are some memories:
Tom and Dick Van Arsdale
Dick Van Arsdale, the Original Sun, didn’t speak, but Tom relayed his sentiments.
Dick, Tom said, remembered a time where Hawkins was sound asleep holding a telephone. The person on the other end was just yacking away, never realizing that Hawkins wasn’t paying attention.
“To say ‘The Hawk’ was laid back was an understatement,” Tom Van Arsdale said.
Tom Ambrose, longtime Suns executive
Ambrose told the story of Hawkins and a loaner car from a sponsoring dealership.
It was a “big four-door Impala,” Ambrose said, to accommodate Hawkins’ big dog. Hawkins owned a Great Dane named “Foul,” after the defining book about the Hall of Famer.
Foul, it turned out, “had a hankering for the upholstery in that car,” Ambrose recalled.
“During the course of that season, the dog devoured, basically, the backseat of the car,” he said.
At the end of the season, Hawkins left town and had former teammate Charlie Scott return it to the dealership, Ambrose said.
When the dealership called to ask about the damage, Hawkins simply said that the dog “must have been hungry,” Ambrose recalled.
Jerry Colangelo
Colangelo remembered the first time Hawkins came to Phoenix, getting off the plane in a wool suit.
It was 105 degrees, Colangelo said. Hawkins turned around and went looking for a place to lie down.
“I can never say enough about how much he contributed to this franchise,” Colangelo said.