INDIANAPOLIS — It was a special homecoming for one Memphis Grizzlies player during the team's game against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. He had hundreds of fans pack the stands for the game.
As hundreds of kids got off of the bus in front of the fieldhouse, many of them wore #22 for Grizzlies' shooting guard Desmond Bane.
"That's Richmond baby, R-town represent," Jamar Wright said.
Many nonprofits from Richmond came together to bring the kids to the fieldhouse for Sunday's game, and for many, this was their first NBA game.
"My boss at my club didn't know if I was going because I was an extra, but Desmond had an extra ticket so I could go," one child said.
The group got to tour the fieldhouse and meet with Bane before tip-off.
"It's wonderful to come and see how humble he is and how much he loves the community as much as we love him," Wright said.
While Bane always comes back home, the ones who watched him grow up wanted to bring home to him.
"Now being able to see one of our own from Richmond, Indiana, and play at the level he's playing, oh man, the world knows his name now, it's Desmond Bane," Wright said.
Even though Bane is out with a sprained ankle, the kids are still cheering on their teammates.
"I wish they would win for him," one child said.
It's not all about the win, but getting to hang out with their hometown celebrity.
"We are going to remember this our whole lives."
The Pacers ended up winning the game 116-110.