SALT LAKE CITY -- The Utah Jazz will play the remainder of their season while wearing a black stripe on their jerseys, and the gesture is in honor of "Hot Rod" Hundley, the man who was the voice of the Utah Jazz for 35 years and whose iconic descriptions delighted basketball fans for decades.
Hundley passed away in his home in Phoenix while surrounded by family, and after his death Jazz officials and former players expressed their admiration for a "Jazz Legend."
A Utah Jazz jersey bears a black stripe in memory of Hot Rod Hundley. Image courtesy Utah Jazz.
In a press release issued Saturday, the Jazz announced that starting with Saturday night's game against Oklahoma City Thunder, players would be wearing a "simple black stripe" on their left shoulder. The stripes will remain in place for all remaining home and road games this season.
There will also be a moment of silence for Hundley prior to Saturday's game, and throughout the game highlights from Hundley's career will be featured and memories from Jazz greats will air.
Utah Jazz President Randy Rigby spoke to FOX 13 News Friday night, and he recalled Hundley's ability to make the game come alive through his descriptions.
“I would get, many times, letters from people who were blind and would express how much how Rod Hundley made the game of basketball come alive for them,” he said.
