From:Of course, Houston, moved to Iowa but came back last year Age: 18 Fan since: Birth Became a Rocket fan How:My dad always watched them and wouldn't stop talking about the glory years. Most Memorable Rocket Moment: Yao injury return in Lakers game Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Of all time:Cuttino Mobley Current: Chuck Hayes First live Rockets game N/A Side Note: Outside of Rockets favorite player of all time is Ben Wallace because he was such a dominant C even though he was smaller. (Chuck Hayes on Horse Steroids)
I go back pretty far. Originally I used to masturbate to the Rockets. Then as I got older, I started having sex with the Rockets. Eventually the Rockets and I got married. We had three children; Moses, Hakeem and and later little Yao. Yes, you could say I'm hooked.
From:Los Angeles, CA Age: 25 Fan since: It was 1994 (9 years old) Became a Rocket fan How: Came to America in 94 of March. Started watching the NBA playoffs. Saw a guy named Hakeem dominate in the playoffs. end of story. if not for hakeem, i would not have liked the rockets. First Rocket Jersey: TMAC Most Memorable Rocket Moment: Dream outplaying Patrick Ewing. Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: I loved watching Tracy McGrady play First live Rockets game: Rockets at Lakers in 2004
From: Born in California, moved all over, now this is my second time living in the Houston area Fan since: 2007 Became a Rocket fan How: when I was in high school and middle school my dad used to get suite tickets occasionally from his work. I went about 5 times just because it was fun and the food! I had been a "Spurs fan" for a year (the boy I liked was one) and then a "Suns fan" for 2 (Nash MVP years). I didn't follow either team too closely thought. Then I went to the Rockets game 7 of the 2007 playoffs in a suite and fell in love with the atmosphere. What really made me become a fan was a conversation my dad was having with me during the game. He was trying to have a good discussion about the Rockets, I was clueless, and then he said, "You don't know much about the Rockets, do you?" I then made it my goal to at least be knowledgeable of the Rockets, beginning with preseason in 07, and then I just fell in love with the team and became obsessed. I was a rookie fan with the rookie class of Landry, Scola, and Brooks, which is why those guys will always hold a special place in my heart. First Rocket Jersey: McGrady away jersey... Christmas 07. Now I've got over 25. Most Memorable Rocket Moment: Yao Ming coming back from the tunnel in the Lakers Rockets playoffs 09. Just the 09 playoffs in general. That was my first year as a Rowdy, and being able to be there for all 6 home playoff games that year was the best. Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Landry, Scola & Lowry First live Rockets game: sometime during the blue jersey days between 97-99 when I first lived in Houston. Barkley and Turbo are the only things I remember.
From:Houston, TX (southwest) Age: 25 Fan since: 1992 Became a Rocket fan How: 1994 First Rocket Jersey: 1996 blue road Clyde Drexler .. Most Memorable Rocket Moment: Eddie Johnson's GW in game 4 vs Utah in 1997 WCF Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Steve Francis First live Rockets game: never been to one actually
Well I am bored, so I'll play. From:Houston, Texas. Life long Houstonian Age: Late 20s. Fan since: Late 80s? Like 87 or 88. I guess it was because my parents, mainly my dad watching it. And another family member. yeah, sounds right. Had total appreciation of the NBA around 90? Maybe 89. My next door neighbor was a huge fan. He is one year older than me. Or a grade level older. His favorite team was the Rockets, but at that time, he loved the Pistons. He was a huge Vinnie guy. Loved him some microwave. Became a Rocket fan How: Houston. Simple as that. That's who I cheer for. That's who my dad cheered for. That's who my family cheered for. First Rocket Jersey: 07? Yao. Not really into Jerseys. But i'm into my own Jersey. Most Memorable Rocket Moment: Remember when the playoff games were on pay per view? Major bummage. My dad and another family member would go to SRO on 1960 and Cutten to watch the game. Western Conference Finals. Game 2 vs Utah. Before the tip, David Stern handed Hakeem his MVP award. We were not inside the building for this game. We were watching the game from the parking lot. They had some big screen tvs sitting on the back of pickup trucks. I just remember the Sun finally setting. It was dusk. I just remember that roar from everyone in the parking lot. I didn't watch the tv, but more watched the reaction on peoples face. Also, game 1 of the 2007 playoffs vs Utah. Dave2000 got a huge ass group together. Something like 60 people? We had an entire section. We stood the entire game. We were loud. A week and a half later, we had our worse feeling. Losing game 7. I sat in my seat for a long while wondering wtf just happened. Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Dave Jamerson, and David Wood. Both pastey. Both sucky. I just remember one of them having deer in the headlights syndrome. My favorite current Rocket was Aaron Brooks, but I guess it's Kyle Lowry now. But all time, either OT, or Maxwell. First live Rockets game: It was early 90s. Something like 1990 or 1991 vs Atlanta. I wouldn't go to a game again for a while. The next game I went to was vs the Sonics. We killed them by 30 or something. It was on a Sunday afternoon on NBC. April 12th, 1997. Tiger Woods won the Masters. That is where I would see my future English 1 teacher in high school. My final game at the summit was vs Philly. My first game at Toyota Center was vs Philly. HSE had home games, Paramount 20 had road games. Good days. Better days to come.
From: Melbourne, Australia Age: 19 Fan since: 2006 Became a Rocket fan How: I used to play the games, and growing up with Australia Rules football meant i didn't get into the NBA until later in my life.. i loved Tracy MGrady and will admit that i was a TOF haha.. now i love the team we have and will continue to watch the rockets First Rocket Jersey: Away Mcgrady Most Memorable Rocket Moment: 2009 playoffs vs Lakers Aside from McGrady, favorite Rocket player: Carl Landry First live Rockets game: Never been to a game
From: Born and Raised in Houston, Texas... Now living in Sugar Land, TX. Age: 28 Fan since: The year 1988 (6 yrs old!) Became a Rocket fan How: I was home-schooled throughout most (half) of my education, from grade school to high school... and really didn't have much socializing... My only hobby/joy that I remember was playing basketball (on my portable basketball goal) and then I heard about our sports team, The Houston Rockets; the rest is history... At the age of 12, my church had an auction of sports memoribilia... I, at the age of 12, made two successful bids: $125 on an autographed basketball signed by all the Rockets, from their first championship and the other was an autographed Jim Kelly football, (forgot the winning bid that I made?) At the same age (12), I remember going downtown and seeing the championship float parade... and cheering for my team that won the championship that year! Entering college, (Age 20) I went to the University of Houston - Main Campus... went to a few basketball games that year (2002-03?) Year of the Yao. Went to the first game of Yao Ming (got a life-size poster) went to the Hakeem Olajuwon retirement party (when they played against Golden State Warriors) caught a Cuttino Mobley sweat towel another game (forgot which?) but my most memorable game that I attended was when I was named Rocket's 6th Man of the Game! (3/22/03?) against the Lakers @ Compaq Center. We lost by 3 off of a game-tying miss by Glen Rice. Even though we lost, I had a great time! It will be a game I will NEVER EVER FORGET!!! Last season, for about 2-3 games, I was a part-time Red Rowdy @ Toyota Center... Unfortunately, I was unable to be an official one due to the fact that work could not accommodate me, getting evenings off so I had to quit. First Rocket Jersey: Clyde Drexler, the 1996 Cartoon Blue-Pajama'd Road Jersey. Most Memorable Rocket Moment: Aside from being 6th Man of the Game on 3/22/03? I would have to say sitting court-side Game 1 (Houston vs. Phoenix) in 1994. I met and got to talk to Calvin Murphy. Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: I would have to say Steve Francis (when he was in BEAST mode!!!) First live Rockets game: WOW... *scratches head and thinks* I would have to say that 1994 Courtside Game vs. Phoenix... I don't remember attending any games before this?
From: Sugar Land (hometown, mostly). Houston (present). Age: 26 Fan since: Elementary school. My sister, brother, and I were the only basketball fans in the family. Became a Rocket fan How: Houston native. Also? Olajuwon was a neighbor. That just fed the fire. I have every sports page from the 1995 Playoff run. My sister has 1994. And I proudly own ZERO cartoon Rockets jerseys, only their practice jersey from that time (plain blue with reversible grey, Rockets text). First Rocket Jersey: Hakeem in the colors he was MEANT to wear. Most Memorable Rocket Moment: The Dream dominating Robinson, and it leading to a championship. Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Zan Tabak. No, Clyde or Kenny. I have multiples of each jersey. Loved me some OT too. First live Rockets game: Rockets-Timberwolves in 1994 or 1995. My sister had a crush in Christian Laettner.
From:North Carolina (Houstonian by birth) Age: 57 Fan since: 1971 (?) when they moved from San Diego First Rocket Jersey: none Most Memorable Rocket Moment: winning the title Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Calvin Murphy First live Rockets game: 1971 exhibition game at AstroHall against the Sixers featuring Doug Collins and future Rocket coach Dave Wohl-- a free agent with the Sixers from Penn
From: San Marcos, TX Age: 22 Fan since: Early '90s Became a Rocket fan how: My parents always watched them when I was younger. I just naturally became a fan of them. First Rocket Jersey: Away Hakeem Olajuwon Most Memorable Rocket Moment: Eddie Johnson, Game 4 of the 1997 WCF... I still remember my parents and I going absolutely insane when he knocked down that jumper. Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Of all time: Clyde Drexler Current: Kyle Lowry First live Rockets game: March 8, 2008 Rockets - 106 Hornets - 96
From:London, England Age: 29 Fan since: Mid 1980's Became a Rocket fan How: Saw one game of the Twin Towers, that was enough First Rocket Jersey: Hakeem Olajuwon 1993-1994 Most Memorable Rocket Moment: Ralph Sampson's turn-around alley-oop circus shot. Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Clyde First live Rockets game: Still waiting...... It will be done though!
From:Tokyo, transplanted to Houston via New York. Age: 30 Fan since: 1994 Became a Rocket fan How: Watched the Houston Rockets battle my former hometown of New York in the NBA Finals. Championship run in 95' cemented my status as a life-time Rockets fan. First Rocket Jersey: Bought many T-shirts and caps, but I never bought a jersey. I did, however, take home Olajuwon's actual practice jersey from West Side Tennis Club (it was left behind after practice). Most Memorable Rocket Moment: 1995 NBA Finals Game 1, Kenny Smith 3 to go into overtime, followed by Olajuwon's tip-in for the win. Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Yao Ming, a true professional. First live Rockets game: Been to so many, it's hard to remember. My most memorable game attended though, was in the Great Western Forum. Rockets vs. Lakers. Dream, Barkley, Pippen vs. Shaq, Kobe, and Rodman (he played for them for a couple of games) with Michael Jordan in attendance. Crazy atmosphere to that game.
From: H-town Age: 38 Fan since: ~1979 Became a Rocket fan How: my dad used to clip coupons for buy-one get one free Sunday afternoons (this was back when the Finals were taped delayed after the news) First Rocket Jersey: N/A Most Memorable Rocket Moment: 1986 Lakers v. Rockets game 4 - Jack Nicholson sunglasses night (I was there!) Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Robert Reid and Drexler (as a player - not as an announcer or coach) First live Rockets game: Rockets v. Kings....the Kansas City Kings (the San Diego chicken was the guest mascot at the game)
From: Denton, TX Age: 17 Fan since: 2003 Became a Rocket fan How: I enjoyed how t-mac played in his prime and he was my favorite player of the nba at the time and decided to follow the rockets First Rocket Jersey: Hakeem, the ugly blue cartoon one lol.. Most Memorable Rocket Moment: T-mac's 13 points in 33 seconds. Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Was T-mac. now i would have to say : Chuckwagon, scola, or K-mart.
From: Spring, TX Age: 27 Fan since: 1991 when I moved to Texas. Became a Rocket fan How: Went to first game with tickets my dad got from work. Hooked at watching Hakeem just dominate the game. First Rocket Jersey: Hakeem, the red and yellow. I have everyone of his possible. Most Memorable Rocket Moment: The championships. Fulfilling a goal I had growing up by becoming a season ticket holder 4+ years ago. Meeting all of the players through team events. Having friendships with the more important people in the organization. Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Lowry. Cool guy and a heck of a player. Was the first person he saw wearing his jersey and was very appreciative of it. And I think you can copy YoYo's answer and put it here too. First live Rockets game: 91 against Dallas.
From: Houston Age: 39 Fan since: Early 80's Became a Rocket fan How: I used to go to the Boys Club back in the day and Robert Reed and other Rockets use to come and give clinics. First Rocket Jersey: Hakeem Most Memorable Rocket Moment: Im going to agree with Hakeems handling of the Little Mermaid. That was amazing. Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Otis Thorpe First live Rockets game: We went with the Boys Club when I ws a kid on a bus. So long ago.
From: Houston Age: 25 Fan since: 1994 Became a Rocket fan How: I was a huge baseball fan and knew nothing about basketball, however, while on a camping trip with my dad we listened to the first 3 and a half games of the '94 Finals on the radio. I'd never watched a basketball game prior to this, so I had to use imagine what was happening, but once I was in front of a tv mid-way through the 3rd of game 4, I fell in love with the Rockets. First Rocket Jersey: Red and Yellow Horry jersey Most Memorable Rocket Moment: Maxwell doing the fist jumping fist pump, and Maxwell hitting a buzzer beater while falling out of bounds against Golden State. Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Obviously, Mad Max First live Rockets game: Court side for a preseason game against the Spurs. I think it was '97 and a court side ticket went for like $100.
From: Houston, TX Age: 25 Fan since: 1995 Became a Rocket fan How: Don't know the exact moment but it was during 95 playoffs, I think the first game I ever watched was during the Spurs series. First Rocket Jersey: Cassell Most Memorable Rocket Moment: 13 in 33 Aside from Hakeem, favorite Rocket player: Yao First live Rockets game: I do not remember, I've only been to about 10
