KU Hinrich amazed by honor

**Lzen** · 02-27-2009, 10:21 AM

Ex-KU guard grateful for jersey retirement

By Gary Bedore

Bill Kostroun/AP Photo
Chicago Bulls' Kirk Hinrich defends against New Jersey Nets' Devin Harris during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Nets beat the Bulls 111-99.

Kirk Hinrich, who won two Big 12 championships and played in two Final Fours at Kansas University before being tapped seventh overall in the 2003 NBA Draft, says the greatest moment of his storied hoops career will take place Sunday.
That’s when his KU jersey No. 10 will be hung for eternity in the rafters of tradition-rich Allen Fieldhouse.

“I feel like for myself it’s the ultimate honor,” the 28-year-old Chicago Bulls point guard/shooting guard said Thursday, speaking via teleconference from Washington, D.C., where the Bulls meet the Wizards tonight.
“I don’t know if there’s a greater honor in basketball than to have your jersey hanging in the most historic basketball building in the world. It’s an unbelievable honor,” Hinrich added. “I feel Allen Fieldhouse is a very magical place, so rich in tradition. There have been so many great players to play there. It’s just an unbelievable honor to have this happen.”
So unbelievable that Hinrich said the word, “Wow” a handful of times in his 20-minute phone session with reporters — one that took place before the Bulls were to head to the White House for a meeting with President Obama, who hails from Illinois.
A reporter from Hinrich’s home state of Iowa asked the Sioux City native if he ever thought he’d get to this point.
“It’s a crazy cycle,” Hinrich said. “To think back when I was in high school ...to have a chance to play at the University of Kansas was overwhelming. Understanding what it’s all about and the tradition, the people who came before me and made everything possible by keeping the tradition alive ... now to have the opportunity to have my jersey up in the rafters is just overwhelming.”
Hinrich will have several family members and friends in the stands Sunday, including former KU teammate and fellow Iowan Nick Collison. The jersey hanging ceremony will take place at halftime of the 1 p.m. KU-Missouri game.
“Coincidentally, he has an off day (with Bulls Sunday), which is good. But Kirk picked the Missouri game. He wanted to be here for that particular game,” KU coach Bill Self said.
Hinrich admitted that choosing the KU-MU game was a no-brainer.
“Playing in that Missouri-Kansas rivalry for four years, I definitely understand how important it is,” said Hinrich, who went 6-3 versus the Tigers from 1999-2003.
“Some of my most memorable games were against Missouri,” added Hinrich. His 25 points and nine rebounds helped the Jayhawks to a 95-92 victory over the Tigers on March 3, 2002, in Columbia — a game that completed KU’s perfect 16-0 run in the Big 12 Conference.
“I’m just excited to have the opportunity to be there for that game. I’m really looking forward to the ceremony, one, and two, to experience a game there again. It’s been awhile. It’s always special when it’s Kansas against Missouri.”
Hinrich is ninth in KU career scoring, fourth in assists, sixth in steals, third in most minutes played, third in three-pointers made, fifth in career free-throw percentage and 13th in career field goals made. He was a first-team All-Big 12 pick his junior and senior seasons and a third-team All-American his senior year. He was selected by the Bulls with the seventh overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft.
“He deserves it,” Self said Thursday. “There’s really not a criteria other than the greatest players that play here deserve to be considered for that. Without question, he’s one of the best to play here.
“We did put the minimum five-year waiting period on everybody because we think it’ll mean more to the guy coming back if they had a chance to really think about what they accomplished as opposed to doing it right at the time they graduated or left school. I think it’ll be great.”
Future jersey retirements: Though no official announcement has been made, it’s believed Wayne Simien will be the next Jayhawk to have his jersey hung. Simien last played at KU in 2004-05.
As far as players on KU’s 2008 national title team, perhaps one or two will be honored down the line.
“You would say that some would deserve it. You could also say if some from that team deserve it, wouldn’t you go to past teams? Our leading scorer averaged 12.8 points a game (Brandon Rush 13.3, Mario Chalmers, Darrell Arthur both 12.8). Statistically, it’s not going to stack up,” Self said. “I’d be very surprised if somebody from that team did not get their jersey hung up there, maybe multiple guys.
“You look up there and see the guys, you see Kirk, who was fabulous and the seventh pick of the draft and averaged 18 a game. The team last year wasn’t a team built on individual statistics but built as a group, and guys left early (for NBA). I don’t want to make any predictions on who or when because you guys will write about that for the next four years. There will be somebody I’m sure.”

http://www2.kusports.com/news/2009/f...-amazed-honor/

Fritz88 · 02-27-2009, 10:22 AM

Good guy, awesome player, deserves. it

Pioli Zombie · 02-27-2009, 10:47 AM

And he never ****ed a dog either!

Spicy McHaggis · 02-27-2009, 10:51 AM

Good for Kirk, I've met him a few times and he always seemed like a normal kind of guy. Well, as normal as one can be playing ball in Chicago while making millions of dollars.

Reerun_KC · 02-27-2009, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pioli Zombie

And he never ****ed a dog either!

NO but your evidence that your mom did...

**Lzen** · 02-27-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pioli Zombie

And he never ****ed a dog either!

That is definitely a plus.

Demonpenz · 02-27-2009, 10:56 AM

Dumbledoor approves

**Lzen** · 02-27-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demonpenz

Dumbledoor approves

I think when opposing fans yelled Harry Potter that just made him play that much harder/better.

Reerun_KC · 02-27-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

I think when opposing fans yelled Harry Potter that just made him play that much harder/better.

Yep, I loved it... Sure made it all the sweeter...

Pioli Zombie · 02-27-2009, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

NO but your evidence that your mom did...

coherant much?

Demonpenz · 02-27-2009, 11:04 AM

yeah he was good. he busted heads in aau all those years.

tomahawk kid · 02-27-2009, 11:13 AM

As a Mizzou fan, I can say it was masterful on Perkin's part to schedule this for the Missouri game......as if the crowd wouldn't be fired up enough.....

DJay23 · 02-27-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomahawk kid

As a Mizzou fan, I can say it was masterful on Perkin's part to schedule this for the Missouri game......as if the crowd wouldn't be fired up enough.....

I guess ultimately it was Perkins who scheduled it, but they asked Kirk when he wanted it and he said Missouri without question.

CoMoChief · 02-27-2009, 11:18 AM

Best KU guard I have seen play. Though I'm young. He'd be on my All Time KU starting team.

There was no other player as fun to watch IMO. Maybe LaFrentz.

PG - JoJo White
SG - Kirk Hinrich
SF - Paul Pierce
PF - Danny Manning
C - Wilt Chamberlain

JMO

2nd team
PG - Jacques Vaughn
SG - Mario Chalmers
SF - Brandon Rush
PF - Raef LaFrentz
C - Nick Collison

Spicy McHaggis · 02-27-2009, 11:21 AM

I think you mean...

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoMoChief

PG - JoJo White
SG - Kirk Hinrich
SF - Paul Pierce
PF - Danny Manning
C - Sasha Kahn

02-27-2009, 10:21 AM
Lzen Banded Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Oz Casino cash: $-639308	Hinrich amazed by honor Ex-KU guard grateful for jersey retirement By Gary Bedore Bill Kostroun/AP Photo Chicago Bulls' Kirk Hinrich defends against New Jersey Nets' Devin Harris during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Nets beat the Bulls 111-99. Kirk Hinrich, who won two Big 12 championships and played in two Final Fours at Kansas University before being tapped seventh overall in the 2003 NBA Draft, says the greatest moment of his storied hoops career will take place Sunday. That’s when his KU jersey No. 10 will be hung for eternity in the rafters of tradition-rich Allen Fieldhouse. “I feel like for myself it’s the ultimate honor,” the 28-year-old Chicago Bulls point guard/shooting guard said Thursday, speaking via teleconference from Washington, D.C., where the Bulls meet the Wizards tonight. “I don’t know if there’s a greater honor in basketball than to have your jersey hanging in the most historic basketball building in the world. It’s an unbelievable honor,” Hinrich added. “I feel Allen Fieldhouse is a very magical place, so rich in tradition. There have been so many great players to play there. It’s just an unbelievable honor to have this happen.” So unbelievable that Hinrich said the word, “Wow” a handful of times in his 20-minute phone session with reporters — one that took place before the Bulls were to head to the White House for a meeting with President Obama, who hails from Illinois. A reporter from Hinrich’s home state of Iowa asked the Sioux City native if he ever thought he’d get to this point. “It’s a crazy cycle,” Hinrich said. “To think back when I was in high school ...to have a chance to play at the University of Kansas was overwhelming. Understanding what it’s all about and the tradition, the people who came before me and made everything possible by keeping the tradition alive ... now to have the opportunity to have my jersey up in the rafters is just overwhelming.” Hinrich will have several family members and friends in the stands Sunday, including former KU teammate and fellow Iowan Nick Collison. The jersey hanging ceremony will take place at halftime of the 1 p.m. KU-Missouri game. “Coincidentally, he has an off day (with Bulls Sunday), which is good. But Kirk picked the Missouri game. He wanted to be here for that particular game,” KU coach Bill Self said. Hinrich admitted that choosing the KU-MU game was a no-brainer. “Playing in that Missouri-Kansas rivalry for four years, I definitely understand how important it is,” said Hinrich, who went 6-3 versus the Tigers from 1999-2003. “Some of my most memorable games were against Missouri,” added Hinrich. His 25 points and nine rebounds helped the Jayhawks to a 95-92 victory over the Tigers on March 3, 2002, in Columbia — a game that completed KU’s perfect 16-0 run in the Big 12 Conference. “I’m just excited to have the opportunity to be there for that game. I’m really looking forward to the ceremony, one, and two, to experience a game there again. It’s been awhile. It’s always special when it’s Kansas against Missouri.” Hinrich is ninth in KU career scoring, fourth in assists, sixth in steals, third in most minutes played, third in three-pointers made, fifth in career free-throw percentage and 13th in career field goals made. He was a first-team All-Big 12 pick his junior and senior seasons and a third-team All-American his senior year. He was selected by the Bulls with the seventh overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. “He deserves it,” Self said Thursday. “There’s really not a criteria other than the greatest players that play here deserve to be considered for that. Without question, he’s one of the best to play here. “We did put the minimum five-year waiting period on everybody because we think it’ll mean more to the guy coming back if they had a chance to really think about what they accomplished as opposed to doing it right at the time they graduated or left school. I think it’ll be great.” Future jersey retirements: Though no official announcement has been made, it’s believed Wayne Simien will be the next Jayhawk to have his jersey hung. Simien last played at KU in 2004-05. As far as players on KU’s 2008 national title team, perhaps one or two will be honored down the line. “You would say that some would deserve it. You could also say if some from that team deserve it, wouldn’t you go to past teams? Our leading scorer averaged 12.8 points a game (Brandon Rush 13.3, Mario Chalmers, Darrell Arthur both 12.8). Statistically, it’s not going to stack up,” Self said. “I’d be very surprised if somebody from that team did not get their jersey hung up there, maybe multiple guys. “You look up there and see the guys, you see Kirk, who was fabulous and the seventh pick of the draft and averaged 18 a game. The team last year wasn’t a team built on individual statistics but built as a group, and guys left early (for NBA). I don’t want to make any predictions on who or when because you guys will write about that for the next four years. There will be somebody I’m sure.” http://www2.kusports.com/news/2009/f...-amazed-honor/
Posts: 42,478

02-27-2009, 10:22 AM	#2
Fritz88 Custom User Title Join Date: Nov 2008 Casino cash: $8505943	Good guy, awesome player, deserves. it
Posts: 12,706

02-27-2009, 10:47 AM	#3
Pioli Zombie Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: olathe,kansas Casino cash: $10004900	And he never ****ed a dog either!
Posts: 11,077

02-27-2009, 10:51 AM	#4
Spicy McHaggis Keep 'er Movin' Join Date: Sep 2004 Casino cash: $9905359	Good for Kirk, I've met him a few times and he always seemed like a normal kind of guy. Well, as normal as one can be playing ball in Chicago while making millions of dollars. __________________ “We want players who are big, strong, smart, fast, tough and disciplined,” Pioli said, finally bringing an end to the era of Chiefs executives who searched desperately for players who are small, weak, stupid, slow, fragile and unruly.
Posts: 4,963

02-27-2009, 10:56 AM	#7
Demonpenz Woman should only make babies Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $-363864	Dumbledoor approves __________________
Posts: 54,953

02-27-2009, 11:04 AM	#11
Demonpenz Woman should only make babies Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $-363864	yeah he was good. he busted heads in aau all those years. __________________
Posts: 54,953

02-27-2009, 11:13 AM	#12
tomahawk kid Drunk in the Neighborhood Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Beating the War Drums Casino cash: $10001837	As a Mizzou fan, I can say it was masterful on Perkin's part to schedule this for the Missouri game......as if the crowd wouldn't be fired up enough.....
Posts: 5,974

02-27-2009, 11:18 AM	#14
CoMoChief Mahomes Dynasty Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $7672254	Best KU guard I have seen play. Though I'm young. He'd be on my All Time KU starting team. There was no other player as fun to watch IMO. Maybe LaFrentz. PG - JoJo White SG - Kirk Hinrich SF - Paul Pierce PF - Danny Manning C - Wilt Chamberlain JMO 2nd team PG - Jacques Vaughn SG - Mario Chalmers SF - Brandon Rush PF - Raef LaFrentz C - Nick Collison
Posts: 39,245