After retirement Del CurryJersey #30 last season, Hornets announced plans on Tuesday to retire the No. 1 jersey worn by longtime teammate Curry Magsi Boguzhow Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press writes. The ceremony will take place on February 11 at halftime of the game against Bucks.
A 14-year NBA veteran, Bogus spent nearly a decade in Charlotte, averaging 8.8 points, 8.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game in 632 regular season games (501 starts). Like Curry, he was selected in the 1988 expansion draft ahead of the Hornets’ first season and helped the team transform from a playmaker in its first few years to a perennial playoff threat by the mid-1990s.
While Bogus was one of the NBA’s assist leaders during his playing career, he is best known for his height. At 5’3″, the former point guard is the shortest player in league history.
“How ironic is that?” Bogus said to Reynolds when discussing his jersey retirement. “After all those times where you felt like you were looking up, looking up, at people for so many years. Then this particular moment comes and when that jersey actually goes up, it’s like I’m looking down on the whole world. It’s going to be a surreal moment.”
Although Bogov was traded to Golden State in 1997 and later played for Toronto before ending his career, he has “essentially called Carolina home” since his time with the Hornets, Reynolds wrote. The team’s press release announcing the Feb. 11 ceremony highlighted Bogus’ work in the community, with Reynolds noting that he represented the Hornets at local events and during his time as an NBA ambassador for years after his retirement.
Bogus will become the third Hornet to have his jerseys retired, joining Curry and Bobby Phils (No. 13).
“Honoring the players who helped build this franchise is an important part of our commitment to Hornets history,” Hornet co-owners Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin the statement said. “Magi has been here from the start and played with heart, grit and competitive spirit that made him a fan favourite.
“At 5-foot-3, he has overcome obstacles throughout his career and proven that he belongs among the best players in the world. He has been a role model for generations, showing young people that their size should not limit what they can achieve. His accomplishments on the court and his commitment to Charlotte have made him a beloved part of this organization. We look forward to celebrating Mugsy with our fans and promoting number 1 to the rafters of the Spectrum Center.”
