Stockton's No. 12 retired prior to Jazz's loss
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-11-23 17:00

The Utah Jazz retired the No. 12, which John Stockton put on twenty years ago, on the court at the halftime celebration during Utah's home game against New Orleans in Salt Lake city Monday night.

Stockton was at presence with dozens of friends, including former teammates Karl Malone, and his family. Stockton had to wait for a long ovation to die down before he could address the packed arena, according to a TV report reaching here.

"I want you all to take pride in it because you all had something to do with it," Stockton told the fans. "I felt welcome every day I played out here. This is home."

Stockton and his children pulled the chord that unveiled the giant No. 12 hanging from the rafters.

Plenty of players and coaches from Stockton's past were on hand.

Frank Layden, Utah's coach when Stockton was drafted in 1984, said he had to be talked in to using the 16th overall pick on the kid from Gonzaga. He also credited Stockton with helping turn around a struggling franchise in a small market and keeping it here.

Jerry Sloan, who took over for Layden 17 years ago and has heldthe job ever since, choked up with emotion as he thanked Stockton.

"He set a terrific standard here with this organization," Sloansaid. "With his attitude, with his approach to practice. Every single day, he was going to be the best he could be."

Stockton's number is the fifth to be retired, putting him in the rafters with Pete Maravich (7), Darrell Griffith (35), Eaton (53) and Jeff Hornacek (14). A No. 32 is sure to be lifted when Malone retires.

Stockton played his entire career for the Jazz, and holds NBA records for most assists in a season (1,164 in 1990-91) and average per game in a season (14.5 in 1989-90).

However, it was so bad for the former star of the Jazz to watchhis young generation lose to the ex-winless team with a low score of 76-75.

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