His number was the first retired by the then Charlotte Hornets.

Another player gone far too soon.

Bobby Phills was in the midst of his ninth season in the league and playing with the Hornets when the 30 year old shooting guard was killed in a car accident on January 12,2000.

Many of us remember the story.

We remember how Phills and teammate David Wesley were reportedly racing one another – although Wesley maintains is untrue - when Phills’ Porsche spun out of control and veered into oncoming traffic. Phills died at the scene of the accident, while Wesley lives daily with the regret of his friend’s death.

Sadly enough, Phills’ life on the court was one of survival.

A second round hopeful taken by the Milwaukee Bucks 45^th overall, he was cut by the team later that December without even seeing the floor. He made a name for himself in the CBA with the Sioux Falls Skyforce and eventually found a home with the Cleveland Cavaliers where he spent six seasons.

His best season in the league came during the 1995-96 season when Phills’ averaged 14.6 points per game, and shot 44% from beyond the arc. In 1997, Bobby arrived in Charlotte.

“Michael Jordan once said the 6-foot-5 Phills was one of the best defenders he ever faced,” wrote Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer in a touching piece last month – “Still Missing Bobby Phills”.

In 2002, the Hornets relocated to New Orleans to begin anew. But they took a part of Phills with them.

His #13 hangs in the Hornets’ rafters today.

The History Black Series - Honoring Black History Month:

February 1: Muhammed Ali 

February 2: Gary Payton

February 3: Bo Jackson 

February 4: Dr. J

February 5: The Junkyard Dog

February 6: John Starks

February 7: Barry Sanders

February 8: Spud Webb

February 9: Craig Hodges

February 10: The Fab Five

February 11: Ice Man

February 12: Buster Douglas

February 13: Harold Miner

February 14: Reggie Lewis

February 15: Hoop Dreams

February 16: Travis Outlaw

February 17: Rasheed Wallace

February 18: Oil Can Boyd

February 19: Dennis Johnson

February 20: Tracy McGrady

February 21: Hank Gathers And Bo Kimble

February 22: Allen Iverson 

photo: ejw

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