Sacramento Leaders Welcome Omri
August 17, 2009 by Andrew Nicholson
It’s been a whirlwind tour for Omri Casspi since he was drafted by the Sacramento Kings.
Now an Israeli hero who is well on his way to becoming the first native of Israel to play in the NBA, Casspi received a special welcome to the City of Trees on Monday.
Along with team co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof and president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie, the Kings rookie received a warm welcome by Sacramento leaders at the team’s practice facility complete with food, beverages and a photo area for fans and supporters to take pictures with the Israeli pioneer.
“It’s an honor and a pleasure for us to have the first Israeli player (drafted in the first round),” Gavin Maloof said. “It’s groundbreaking news, and he is going to be a great addition to the squad.”
As the Kings co-owners mingled with Kings fans eager to discuss the team’s young talent and upcoming season, area leaders were overjoyed to discuss the magnitude of Casspi’s arrival in Sacramento and the NBA.
“The community is extremely excited,” Executive Director of the Jewish Federation, Sacramento Chapter, Michal Kohane said smiling. “People brought their kids. There are families here who have three generations in the room. They are very strong fans of the Kings and now they are even stronger because they have Omri.”
As leaders shared their praise and excitement for Casspi’s dynamic game and humble personality, the Kings rookie offered his thanks many times over to everyone in the room, collectively and individually.
“To see all of these great people here, honoring me and (showing) respect for me, it just warms my heart,” Casspi said afterward. “It’s amazing for me. I feel blessed to be in this position.”
Watch Kings.com’s exclusive all access coverage of the event - Sacramento Leaders Welcome Omri.
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