I know I’ve been blessed. As a lifelong Phoenix Suns fan, I never imagined I’d end up where I am now, granted access to the team, sitting in media scrums, interviewing players, watching shootarounds from just a few feet away. I grew up loving this team, living and breathing sports, but I never envisioned I’d step into a space where I was part of the local media covering them. It’s been surreal in the best way.
And yet, within all of that access, there are certain moments that carry more weight than others. Encounters that stick, that etch themselves into your memory because they’re more than routine. They’re personal. My most unforgettable interaction overall probably came through a back-and-forth in the DMs with Kevin Durant. But when it comes to in-person encounters, the moment that stands above the rest didn’t even happen in my role as media. It happened when I was simply a fan in the stands, ticket in hand.
And no, this isn’t my Shawn Marion story…
A few seasons back, right around the time Matthew Lissy and I were kicking around the idea of starting our own Phoenix Suns podcast, we bought tickets to a game. This was when the Suns weren’t very good, and ticket prices reflected it. We ended up in the third row under the baseline, right by the Suns’ bench.
For two lifelong fans, it was surreal.
One of the perks of those seats was access to the makeshift buffet tucked under the stands. It was nothing glamorous at the time. This was 2018, before the arena renovations. Just banquet tables laid out with food and drinks.
As Matthew and I stood at a high-top table, grabbing a quick bite, I decided I wanted some coffee. I walked over to the machine, cup in hand. And that’s when it happened.
Standing next to me, reaching for the same pot of coffee, was Jerry Colangelo. The godfather of Phoenix sports. I froze for a second, shocked, humbled. Then I turned, extended my hand, and said the only words that came to mind:
“Thank you, Jerry, for everything you’ve done. My dad used to say that Phoenix was just a wide spot on the road to Los Angeles until you brought the Suns here.”
He smiled, chuckled softly, and replied with a simple, “You’re welcome.”
That was it. Nothing grand, nothing staged. Just a small exchange over a cup of coffee. But my night was made. My fandom was cemented. I couldn’t wait to tell my dad, and when I did, he loved it. I met Paul Westphal that night as well.
Matthew and I went back to our seats, got on the big screen a couple of times, and enjoyed ourselves despite the Suns losing. But that one brief moment, meeting the man who brought basketball to Phoenix, will stick with me forever.
So I’ll ask you: what about you? What’s the most memorable in-person encounter you’ve ever had with a member of the Suns?
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