Sonics Fans Line Up for Chance to Meet Green

Jonathan Tallariti, SUPERSONICS.COM | February 2, 2008

Jeff Green

Phillips was wearing a black Sonics hat and an autographed Sonics Green jersey, but that was only the beginning.

He carried what he described as his “bag of goodies” that included four photos of Green, three rookie cards and a T-shirt. His prize possession was at the bottom -- a blue-and-silver Georgetown jersey that had the number 22. In his other hand was a container and inside was a poster of Green from when he first joined the Sonics.

“He is my favorite player,” Phillips said of Green, who helped kick off the Washington Lottery Hit 5 promotion with the Sonics. “I was a big fan of him in college and I’m a big fan of him as a Sonic, too.”

Not far behind Phillips in the line to meet Green was Spencer Holcomb, who carried the single biggest piece of memorabilia imaginable -- a life-size (6-foot-9) cardboard Green cutout that Holcomb got from the Sonics and Storm Team Shop.

Holcomb praised Green’s play this season and said he was “underrated.”

“He is probably my all-time favorite player on the Sonics,” he said.

Before Green arrived, Squatch drove up in a flashy van complete with green and yellow flames painted on the sides with his official song blaring. Lights on the top of the van flashed while the brake lights flickered on and off. The van was complete with a Squatch customized license plate and basketball hoop.

When Green arrived, he signed autographs while Squatch ran around and entertained the fans. He even managed to guide some shoppers around the line of people.

Supporters of all ages came out to see Green. A father handed his child to Green for a picture while mom took the photo.

Green fans have taken notice of his success on the court. While Green signed a photograph a man said “congratulations on the T-Mobile rookie contest” while another said “good game yesterday.”

Green appreciated the fans coming out to the event.

“It’s cool. It’s a chance for everybody around Seattle to get to see me off the court and to see what type of person I am,” he said. “It’s a good event for people to come see me and a good event for me to meet our fans.”

Before and after getting autographs, fans lined up at the guest service counter for the Washington Lottery Hit 5 promotion. Fans over age 18 who attended the event were given the opportunity to purchase a Hit 5 lottery ticket and in return they were given a voucher good for two complimentary tickets to one of five Sonics games in February.

While Green signed autographs and people picked up their Hit 5 lottery tickets and vouchers, fans were busy filling out entry forms for a chance to win prizes. Throughout the evening, the store manager announced the names of fans over the intercom whose forms were drawn out of a golden cage. Among the prizes were courtside Sonics tickets and Green prize packs.

Phillips’s stockpile of Green memorabilia continued to grow twhen his name was drawn for a prize pack, which he said contained a wallet, hat, photo and cup.

As for Holcomb, after he got his life-size cardboard Green autographed the only question was, “Where would he put it?”

“I am going to keep it in my room,” he said. “I am going to get some more of them. I am going to get the entire team.”