Perkins Showered With Praises

A tribute to Seattle SuperSonics forward Sam Perkins proved to be a night to remember - when it finally began.

About 150 friends and colleagues turned out at a community college just east of Albany to honor Perkins Friday night. As a teen, Perkins played basketball at nearby Shaker High School.

But the 6-foot-9-inch forward was several hours late after travel troubles - he missed his first flight from Chicago to Albany and he was forced off a second plane because of mechanical problems.

Perkins finally made it on his third attempt, but not before that flight was delayed, too. Perkins was showered with praise once he arrived by the likes of his current coach with the SuperSonics, George Karl, and his coach at the University of North Carolina, Dean Smith.

“He is special,” Smith told the Times-Union of Albany. “He got his degree in four years, he’s a great human being and he helps people.”

Smith said Perkins should be commended for completing his degree in four years, something many of today’s college basketball stars don’t do.

Perkins, 34, is entering his 12th year in the NBA. He was recently re-signed by Seattle after becoming a free agent at the end of last season.

Karl, former coach of the Continental Basketball Association’s Albany Patrons, said Perkins was an essential part of the team. “If Sam’s not there, I’m scared to death,” he said.