Hundreds of dedicated Wildcat fans wrapped around Legends Sports Bar & Grill for an opportunity to meet former University of Kentucky guard Tyler Herro, but few were more excited than Madison Spurrier.
Spurrier, a student at Daviess County Middle School, was joined by her sister Anna Claire Ford, who decided that it would be the perfect outing for Spurrier’s 14th birthday.
Spurrier was one of several young fans in attendance that hoped the hours they spent admiring Herro’s on-court skills would translate to their own.
“He’s an inspiration to me playing basketball, and I get inspired by him whenever he plays,” she said. “I want to play like him.”
Spurrier was not shy come picture time, when she didn’t hesitate to put her arm around Herro.
The two sisters were among 100 people that received complimentary VIP tickets in advance from Legends. Legends manager Logan Clark first heard of the VIP concept from KSBar and Grill in Lexington and decided it would be a great addition to their already successful signing days.
“The VIP pass allows people to hold their spot in line so they can come in early, eat and enjoy dinner with their family without worrying about the hassle of standing outside,” Clark said.
Upon arriving to Legends at 6 p.m., Herro was greeted by several cheers and made certain to walk down the entire line of Wildcat fans, greeting and high-fiving as many as possible.
Owensboro was the first stop for Herro on his #BucketTour before he begins the process of finding an agent and beginning workouts to prepare for the NBA draft.
Herro was in awe at the dedication of Kentucky fans all season and couldn’t wait to meet some of those individuals.
“I like to see all the fans,” he said. “We appreciate what they’ve done for us the whole season. It’s crazy to see how they traveled with us. Wherever we played, there was always Big Blue Nation.”
Also in the VIP line was Zoe Zoellick, a student at Bremen Elementary, who was accompanied by her family. Her grandmother Lenia Cortina waited for more than six hours to obtain VIP passes to the signing. A shy but excited Zoellick couldn’t wait to get an autograph from her favorite UK player.
“We’re going to get a poster autographed,” said Zoellick. “This is definitely worth the trip.”
Three other young fans — Ryleigh Logan, Nolan Johnson and Maddox Lanham — darted to Legends as soon as the bell rang at Sorgho Elementary School. The three of them are regulars at these signings, and they arrived at Legends around 3:30 p.m. for a chance to meet Tyler Herro.
“He (Tyler) was one of my favorite players this year,” Lanham said.
“I came here today with my grandparents, we usually come here when all the U.K. players come,” Logan said. “It’s fun to do. I really like Tyler Herro.”
“I’m excited to be here today because Tyler Herro is a great shooter,” Johnson said. “He’s one of the most talented ball players in America right now, and he’s definitely going to go far in the NBA.”
Herro was all smiles as he thoughtfully greeted each person that came to the table for an autograph. He said he tries to make a good impression and be a role model for everybody.
“Everybody has someone that they look up to,” he said. “I try to be a good person in the community, and make sure I’m doing the right thing.”
While short lived, Herro treasured many experiences in his one year with the Wildcats.
“It was a great time, and I wouldn’t want to trade it for anything in the world,” Herro said. “I’m happy I made the decision to come here.”
