Former Suns Horacio Llamas to Participate in Festivities During Los Suns Night

By Francisco Romero

The Phoenix Suns will continue with their tradition of celebrating Los Suns Night. The game will honor the Latino community and the diversity of the League; the Suns will host the New York Knicks on March 9^th with the tip-off at 7:00 pm.

Enhancing past Los Suns Night, the organization is inviting former Suns’ player Horacio Llamas to participate during the festivities. The former center became the first Mexican player to play in the NBA.

The Rosario, Sinaloa native, played for the Suns during the 1997-1998 and the 1998 – 1999 teams.

Llamas’ arrival with the Suns became a special one, not only because he was the first Mexican player in the NBA, but also because he spent his whole college career in Arizona. Llamas played at Pima Community College then went on to become the NCAA Division II Player of the Year at Grand Canyon University.

During Los Suns Night, Llamas will have an autograph signing period.

“I feel proud and grateful with the Phoenix Suns for inviting me and thinking about me to participate in Los Suns Night,” said Llamas.

Coming back to Phoenix brings great memories for the Mexican born player, “I remember the first time I got into a game,” Llamas told us, “When the coach told me to get in everything seemed to go in slow motion, that is until I got hit for the first time, then everything went back to normal, I remember my parents were at that game.”

Llamas debut with the Suns was March 2^nd, 1997.

Horacio Llamas is an important athlete in the history of the sports in Mexico, not only because he became the first Mexican player in the NBA, but also because he showed that hard work and perseverance goals can be met.

“Becoming the first Mexican player in the NBA has been a dream come true to me. I feel very grateful with all the coaches that have guided me and who helped me get to the NBA. It is a great responsibility to represent a whole country,” said Llamas.

During the game on March 9^th the team will wear “Los Suns” on their jerseys.

Horacio Llamas’ autograph session will take place from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.