Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 19, 1991 TAG: 9103190266
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
In a ceremony before Monday's Philadelphia-Orlando game, the 54-year-old Chamberlain appeared on court to watch as his No. 13 jersey was lifted to the Spectrum's rafters.
The jersey now hangs alongside those of Billy Cunningham, Hal Greer, Bobby Jones and Julius Erving.
Chamberlain became teary-eyed during the ceremony, after the crowd gave him the second of three standing ovations.
"It's been a long time coming, but good things come to those who wait," he said. His voice choked up a bit as he thanked Philadelphia, his parents, former teammates and others involved in his career.
"I learned all my basketball in this great City of Brotherly Love," Chamberlain said.
"Well, it's about time!" Cunningham exclaimed. He called Chamberlain "the most dominant basketball player ever to wear sneakers and a uniform."
by CNB