Muggsy Bogues is feeling optimistic ahead of another Charlotte Hornets season.
The 14-year NBA veteran who starred for the Hornets in the 1990s looks forward to seeing momentum from the team’s current roster after winning the summer league title. Bogues hit the golf course with numerous legends from the NFL, NBA and more Monday morning at TPC Piper Glen.
Bogues, the shortest player in NBA history at 5-foot-3, was reunited with Larry Johnson and other Charlotte sports legends at his 7th annual Muggsy Bogues Family Foundation’s celebrity golf classic. He follows the Hornets closely and is excited about what they’re building — particularly with first-round pick and sharpshooter Kon Knueppel.
“(Knueppel) is a big addition,” Bogues said. “He’s going to have to find his footing, and I think the core guys will allow him come along at his pace. He’ll fare well. And I’m sure this team will be strong — as long as they can stay healthy, good things will happen for them.”
Hornets homecoming brings stars back to ‘basketball heaven’
Johnson always enjoys returning to a state where basketball runs rampant.
Kenny Gattison and Seth Curry were among the Hornets of past and present whom Johnson was excited to see Monday at Piper Glen.
“It feels good to be back where I started,” Johnson said. “When I was here, the Panthers weren’t here yet, but this is North Carolina. It’s a basketball heaven right here. When I played for the Hornets, we sold out every game. It’s just basketball heaven — from Tobacco Road to the Queen City.”
Some Panthers’ optimism?
Mike Tolbert loves his Panthers.
The former star fullback felt he saw positives despite the result in Carolina’s season opener. He feels quarterback Bryce Young is taking the next step in his development, getting the ball out his hands quickly, and running back Chuba Hubbard’s breakaway speed continues impressing.
“They go the way their offensive and defensive line goes,” Tolbert said. “Derrick Brown getting back into it — he hasn’t played football in a year — that defense is going to go as he goes. If we stay steady, keep moving the chains on offense and have solid special teams play, I think it will be pretty good.”
NFL pros see Carolina’s young talent
The young Panthers team has plenty of reason for excitement, says former NFL receiver Tori Gurley.
“They have all the pieces in place,” Gurley said. “I’m pulling for them, and I’d love to really see the city of Charlotte get behind them when these guys continue to ball out.”
Piper Glen draws golfer’s attention
There was also a pro golfer amidst these former football and basketball players.
Danny Guise, a PGA Tour player and Wake Forest graduate, said there are many iconic courses in the Charlotte area, particularly Piper Glen. The Connecticut native now lives in Charlotte, and the city’s growing sports scene is key for golf.
“It’s a great city to host golf,” Guise said. “We’ve had the Wells Fargo Championship — now the Truist Championship — and PGA Championship was here at Quail Hollow, and just having a lot of people come to Charlotte and experience the city is great.
“This event is awesome. Muggsy’s got a lot of guys coming from out of town, and this is a good spot to enjoy golf and have a good experience.”