Malik Sealy 1970-2000 REST IN PEACE
It was will be excatly 6 years ago tomorrow that Malik Sealy died early in the morning on his way back from Kevin Garnett's birthday party. For those of you who don't know or don't remember, he was killed by a drunk driver going the wrong way down the highway. Sealy was really coming into his own as a basketball player and he fit well under Saunder's system. He loved it here in Minnesota and he had the respect of everyone. He was a class act and a wonderful man.
I was lucky to have met Malik once back in 1999 during his final season. He signed my basketball hat and patted my head while saying "see you later, kid". It doesn't sound like much but at the time that was the coolest thing ever. To this day, I find that moment one of the best in my life. I wasn't around him very much at all but I watched the games and I saw the passion and the heart he had for the game. He believed in everything he did and he never went for the easy way out. He was my role model and my hero. He still is.
Sealy was a great husband and a great father, too. He was just an all-around great guy. Him and Fred Hoiberg are very similar and there is no question why Sealy was loved by so many. He touched so many lives with his work on the court, as well as his work off of it. He was an amazing man in the community and helped many who were less forunate than him. I wish I knew that man more that I did. I saw him play, I talked to him for a second and I read about him. The way he handled himself on and off the floor...there is no wonder why Kevin Garnett looked up to him so much. He was just a fabulous man.
But his life was taken way, way too early and we are here left with the memories he gave us. I still have that shot that he hit against Indiana in my mind. I replay it over and over again everytime I go to bed. That was one of the first Timberwolves games I had ever been to and I loved it. That shot got me hooked to Timberwolves basketball forever. Thank you, Malik, for giving me that gift. But more importantly, thank you for teaching me that good guys can win and don't have to finish last. Thank you for teaching me that hard work and dedication can bring you a long way in life. Thank you for teaching me that no matter what is at stake or on the line family is always your number one job. Thank you for everything, Malik. I just wish there was a way to thank you for all that you have given me. I donated to The Malik Sealy Memorial Fund but that does not seem enough. For everything he has given me in my life money does not cover it. I miss you, Malik, but I will never forget what you taught me and what you brought to this city. We were on the verge of something special and you were a big part of it. After his death, a large hole opened up and we are still struggling to fill it.
RIP Malik
Here are some great quotes from Malik Sealy and from others concerning his death and impact-
"With the game on the line, if I'm in there during crunch time, and the coaches have me in there because they have confidence in me, that's what's important to me," Sealy said. "So much emphasis is put on starting. In this league it's the guys who are in at the end of the game who are most important. There are guys who go in for the jump ball and never play again."-Malik Sealy
"In defeat, sometimes you learn about each other. You battle with your teammates at your side and you find out who's willing to battle to help the team get over the hump. Every man on this team was willing to go down in the trenches and reach down and pull another guy up and get him out of there to help the team get over the hump. And that makes a good team. It helps build character."-Malik Sealy
There is one consolation that stands out -- Malik touched many people. -Lou Carnesecca (former St. John's coach)
"Malik Sealy was always one of my favorite players, and people. My memory of Malik Sealy will be the speech he gave to my basketball camp many years ago. He gave an extraordinary speech that is still with me today. His main focus of the speech was to get this point across:
The three things in life to be are:
1. Good Person
2. Good Student
3. Good Athlete
He made sure it was in that order. It was a speech that still rings true in life to this day. He will be missed, not only by the game of basketball, but by the game of life."-Thomas Pellegrino
"He never got the big contract, he never got the accolades in the NBA, so give him a standing ovation as he leaves us."-Lisa Sealy
Awesome shot!
