“You have time?”
That was former Husker and current Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue’s answer when asked how many family members came to Nebraska to celebrate his jersey being retired. The answer is 20, which includes both his mom and dad.
“I know it’s great to have my family here, my whole family, to be of support and to enjoy this with me,” Lue said. “You know, without my family, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today from all the things they’ve taught me over the course of my life. Having them here to celebrate with me, is just a tribute to them and who we are as a family.”
Lue met with the media prior to Nebraska’s matchup with Michigan State, calling the jersey retirement and honor and a blessing.
“It means a lot,” Lue said. “A young kid coming from Mexico, Missouri, going to high school in Kansas City and having the opportunity to come here to Nebraska, I grew as a man and became who I am today and all the values that they taught me here at Nebraska and the confidence of Danny Nee and Jimmy Williams to bring me here, it was an unbelievable experience. I’m very excited. The Hall of Fame was great and this is even greater.”
As for the meaning behind the number on his jersey, Lue explained what has always made it so special to him.
“Well, the No. 10 comes from Uncle Jay – Jay Graves, who I idolized my whole life – and he wore No. 10 in high school so I grew up idolizing him and I wanted to wear No. 10,” Lue said. “I’ve had No. 10 my entire life and I’ve been on seven NBA teams and still blessed to have No. 10 my whole life. That’s great having No. 10 in the rafters and to have my Uncle Jay here to experience and see it himself, it’s a great feeling. I’m glad he’s here to enjoy it with me.”
Securing the No. 10 at each stop in his career has never been an issue for Lue either.
“Ten has always been available,” Lue said. “It must not be a popular number.”
After returning to Nebraska this past fall for a Husker football game, Lue made mention of how incredible the facilities at Nebraska have become. He also wants to help encourage other former players to come back and pay a visit when able.
“I love what Tim Miles has done,” Lue said. “I love his energy. I love his coaching style and I love that he is all about family. The team is all about family and how he brings the older players and keeps those guys involved. You need that if we’re going to continue to grow and be successful. We need the older players to come around and see it like now, what the university has built and what it has become because of guys who paved the way before I got here.”
Lue plans to stay connected to the Nebraska basketball program and has offered to help however he is able.
“Anyway I can help and be a part of this university, I’m always for it,” Lue said. “They can use me any way they want to and I’m here for them. They know that. Coach Miles knows that. Shawn (Eichorst) and Marc (Boehm) know that. It’s just great and they can take advantage of me and I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
