MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Robert Horry, a seven-time NBA champion and Lakers legend, recently traveled to the Philippines, where he engaged with devoted fans and media at the NBA Store in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila.
During his press conference, known as Big Shot Bob, he reflected on his time with the Lakers, recalled his unforgettable buzzer-beater against the Sacramento Kings in the 2002 Playoffs, discussed the current state of the purple and gold, and expressed his conviction that he deserves a place in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (HOF).
Here’s Los Angeles Lakers icon and current @SpectrumSN analyst Robert Horry earlier today in the Philippines. The seven-time NBA champion visited the country’s NBA store, where he met a couple of media members and some fans. pic.twitter.com/FSJBFxMksy
— Nicole Ganglani (@nicoleganglani) September 18, 2024
Here’s a summary of what the three-time Lakers champion shared:
On the Hall of Fame
While Horry’s resume is impressive, the notable absence is his induction into the Hall of Fame. Since retiring in 2008, he’s been vocal about his aspiration to be inducted, a topic that gained traction recently after his former coach, Rudy Tomjanovich, reiterated the call for Horry to be recognized in the Hall following his receipt of the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals.
“He [Tomjanovich] spoke for me, and it brought tears to my eyes because many outside the game aren’t aware of the sacrifices players make for improvement,” stated Horry. “You think about the number of players who can score, but they understand what it takes to elevate a team’s performance. One thing that people often overlook, especially those unfamiliar with basketball, is that it’s named ‘The Basketball Hall of Fame,’ not the ‘NBA Hall of Fame.’ If you examine my basketball career, it speaks volumes.”
“I appreciate Rudy T’s support, and that’s yet another reason he’s my favorite coach.”
In addition to his seven championships, Big Shot Bob leads in playoff victories during the 2000s, boasts the most rings of any player since the ABA-NBA merger, and holds the fourth spot in all-time playoff wins.
It is clear that Horry is not exaggerating when he asserts that he is a player who knows how to win.
Why Tomjanovich is Horry’s favorite coach
Another aspect that makes Horry’s career remarkable is that he had the opportunity to play under Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich, two of the greatest coaches in NBA history. Interestingly, Horry’s preferred coach is Tomjanovich, with whom he secured back-to-back championships as a member of the Houston Rockets.
“Rudy T has always been my favorite because he was the only coach who ran plays for me,” Horry remarked. “All the coaches were excellent, but Rudy T stands out the most. As a player, you constantly seek recognition and rewards. For me, the effort I put forth defensively and in every aspect of the game, Rudy T would say, ‘Okay, let’s draw up a play for Rob.’
“I doubt Phil [Jackson] or [Gregg] Pop ever designed a play specifically for me,” Horry added with a chuckle.
He noted that despite the legendary three-peat with the Lakers, his second title with the Rockets holds a special place in his heart due to the challenges he and the team faced.
Furthermore, according to Horry, the ‘01 title with the purple and gold represented the greatest journey in basketball history.
“My top championship is ’95 purely for the journey,” Horry explained. “Consider that we were down 3-1 against the [Phoenix] Suns, fought back to win that series on the road, and then defeated San Antonio, where David Robinson was the MVP. After that, we overcame a tough Utah team at their place. We faced many teams with impressive records, and we even completed a sweep against Shaquille [O’Neal] and Penny [Hardaway].
“When you reflect on that run, it doesn’t receive enough attention. It’s, in my opinion, the best run in basketball. Many players claim they achieved greatness, but if you compare my runs in ’95 and ’01, those are two of the finest runs in the history of the game. In ’01, we should have gone 16-0, but we didn’t. Still, to me, those were among the greatest runs in basketball.”
Horry on the Lakers’ offseason
It’s reassuring to see that Horry remains deeply involved with the Lakers, even after 16 years of retirement. He currently serves as an analyst for Spectrum Sportsnet, where he frequently discusses the team.
When Big Shot Bob was questioned about the team’s present situation, he did not hold back in voicing his disappointment regarding their inactivity this summer.
I asked Big Shot Bob about his thoughts on the Lakers’ moves (or lack thereof) this summer. Horry didn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment:
“Even if they got some good draft picks, when you’re in a position to make some real moves in the NBA, you’ve got to make some… pic.twitter.com/egcAKI9xSH
— Nicole Ganglani (@nicoleganglani) September 18, 2024
Horry on his favorite clutch shot
Unsurprisingly, Horry identified his favorite clutch shot as the one made against the Kings in the 2002 Western Conference Finals. He even mentioned this summer that he would like that moment to be played at his funeral.
For Horry, it was a quintessential moment, as he had always dreamed of making shots like that while growing up as a Laker fan. He pointed out that it was the first occasion he heard the fans in the Staples Center chant his name instead of that of Shaquille O’Neal or Kobe Bryant.
Horry discussed why the big shot he made against the @SacramentoKings during the 2002 WCF stands as his favorite career moment:
“I think the fans chanted my name for five or six straight minutes after that, and on a personal level, growing up as a Laker fan and having that moment to make that… pic.twitter.com/KkN01ASXq1
— Nicole Ganglani (@nicoleganglani) September 19, 2024
This iconic shot is particularly significant in Lakers history because it preserved the series for the team. At that point, the Kings had a 2-1 lead and controlled most of the game until Horry’s buzzer-beater evened the series.
Moreover, this shot cemented Horry’s reputation as one of the most clutch players in NBA history, which is a key reason he feels deserving of a place in the Hall of Fame.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.
Robert Horry Reflects on His Legendary Career During Visit to the Philippines
Robert Horry: A Basketball Icon
Robert Horry, known affectionately as “Big Shot Rob,” is a retired professional basketball player whose career has left an indelible mark on the NBA. With an impressive resume that includes seven championship rings, Horry’s clutch shooting and game-winning plays are the stuff of legends. Recently, Horry took a trip to the Philippines, a country with a fervent passion for basketball, to share his experiences and insights from his illustrious career.
Highlights of Horry’s Career
Robert Horry’s NBA journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Here are some key highlights:
- Seven-Time NBA Champion: Horry won titles with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs.
- Clutch Performer: Known for his late-game heroics, Horry became famous for hitting game-winning shots in crucial playoff moments.
- Versatile Player: Playing primarily as a forward, Horry was known for his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting skills.
- All-Star Appearances: While not a regular All-Star, his impact on the court was undeniable, earning him respect from peers and fans alike.
Horry’s Visit to the Philippines
During his visit to the Philippines, Robert Horry participated in various basketball clinics and fan meet-and-greet events. His arrival was met with enthusiasm from local basketball fans who idolize him for his contributions to the sport.
Engagement with Fans
Horry’s interactions with fans were both enlightening and inspirational. He shared stories of his career, including the challenges he faced and the lessons learned. Here are some memorable moments from his visit:
- Horry participated in a Q&A session, where he discussed overcoming adversity in professional sports.
- He signed autographs and took pictures with fans, creating lasting memories for many attendees.
- Through basketball clinics, Horry imparted his skills and techniques to young players eager to learn from a champion.
Reflections on His Career
Reflecting on his career, Robert Horry emphasized the importance of hard work, dedication, and seizing opportunities. He shared that his success came not only from talent but also from a relentless work ethic. Here are some key reflections:
The Importance of Teamwork
Horry highlighted how teamwork was crucial to his success. He played alongside some of the game’s greats, such as Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan, and stressed that individual accolades mean little without the support of a cohesive team.
Handling Pressure
Known for his ability to perform under pressure, Horry shared strategies for managing high-stress situations:
- Focus on Fundamentals: Mastering the basics helps build confidence, especially during crucial moments.
- Visualization: Picture yourself succeeding in high-pressure scenarios to prepare mentally.
- Stay Calm: Maintain composure to think clearly and make smart decisions.
Benefits of Learning from Horry’s Career
There are several invaluable lessons that aspiring basketball players and fans can take away from Robert Horry’s career:
- Resilience: Horry’s ability to bounce back from setbacks serves as a reminder to embrace resilience in pursuing goals.
- Preparation: Continuous practice and preparation are vital to achieving success in any field.
- Leadership: Horry’s leadership on and off the court exemplifies how guiding others can lead to collective success.
Case Studies: Horry’s Legendary Moments
Horry’s career is filled with legendary moments that have cemented his status as a clutch performer. Here are a few prominent instances:
| Game | Moment | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 NBA Finals Game 1 | Hit a 3-pointer to win the game | Helped Rockets secure championship momentum |
| 2002 NBA Playoffs Game 4 | Buzzer-beater against the Kings | Advanced Lakers to the Finals |
| 2005 NBA Playoffs Game 5 | Game-winning shot vs. Pistons | Secured the championship for the Spurs |
First-Hand Experience: What Young Players Can Learn
During his clinics in the Philippines, Horry shared insights on the skills and mindset required for success:
Skill Development
Horry emphasized the importance of developing a well-rounded skill set. Here are some skills young players should focus on:
- Shooting: Work on both form and range to become a versatile scorer.
- Defense: Prioritize learning fundamental defensive techniques to become a complete player.
- Ball Handling: Improve dribbling skills to navigate through defenses effectively.
Mindset and Attitude
Horry’s mindset has always been a critical part of his success. He encouraged young players to adopt the following attitudes:
- Never Give Up: Persistence is key; failure is a part of the journey.
- Stay Humble: Always respect your teammates and opponents, regardless of your achievements.
- Practice with Purpose: Aim to improve every time you step on the court.
Conclusion
Robert Horry’s legendary career in the NBA serves as an inspiration to many, particularly in the basketball-loving nation of the Philippines. His visit not only allowed fans to connect with a sports icon but also offered valuable lessons on teamwork, pressure management, and skill development. Horry’s reflections and experiences continue to motivate aspiring players to dream big and work hard, proving that with dedication and the right mindset, anything is possible.
