Northwest Missouri State is a powerhouse in JuCo basketball. Since Hector's first title, they have won two more titles in three years. They only lost the title the previous season and were champions in the season canceled by COVID.
Today is a special day. A number will be removed, the n°26 worn by Hector during his course. It is rare to have his number retired. Rather than his contribution, it is retired thanks to his NBA career.
Hector Herrera is the first to have his number retired here, in Northwest Missouri State. Curry qualified after completing his bachelor's degree this summer. There is no time to go to college in the NBA, so some players like Hector take online classes.
Hector has always had an excellent academic level, and with two lives, his maturity is visible from an early age. Hector always planned to have multiple degrees. Hector's investments were never a coincidence or came out of nowhere.
In four years, he has passed five diplomas which are remarkable. He was an undergraduate until now, which is the case for most students who have done a one-and-done.
An undergraduate generally refers to a graduate student who still needs to complete an advanced degree (for example, a student just entering university). He "graduates" by obtaining his diploma and is, therefore, a "graduate."
A post-graduate generally refers by extension to someone who has had a degree and is continuing their studies (for example, someone who has had a bachelor's degree and is continuing on the Master's degree) - problem: depending on the context, by abuse of language, it can also be someone who has not yet had his current degree (for example, a Master student even if he already has other degrees). Undergraduates can also designate the study cycle, not directly the student.
In addition to having his number retired, he officially graduated in five areas: He completed the Science in General Studies and Business Technology programs. A degree in Geographic information science and a graduate certificate in accounting. And finally, an MS in data analytics.
With nostalgia, he returns to his first habitat outside Mexico in this life. The ceremony took place at half-time of a game of his former team.
He took the microphone, dressed in academic attire, mainly in graduation ceremonies. His wife and children came with him for this great event.
He has imposed a real mission on himself to be there. After the Knicks' loss on the floor, in which he played 36 minutes, he took a private jet with several family members across the country to Missouri. He then took part in the entire ceremony. The emotion grew until he went on stage to collect his due.
"My priority has always been to fulfill my academic responsibilities. I had a great year where we won the second title in our history. I want to thank Coach Ben, who welcomed me with open arms to the team. »
"Our successors have done a good job winning two more titles. I'm sorry I didn't participate in the celebrations, but I have always been and will always be a Bearcat and currently a King. »
If possible, Hector would like to finish his career in Sacramento, but what is certain is that his loyalty to the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats will never be questioned.
"Not many people know it, but I donate part of my salary to the institution. I talked to President Lance about it, who insisted on making it a ceremony when I wanted to do it discreetly. I didn't know he had planned to remove my number. I took this number when I lost two parts of Uno. The numbers 2 and 6 were in play, and I lost both, so I took the 26. This is the story behind this choice. Now I'm an All-Star and an indisputable starter in the NBA. It's ironic when I think about it. »
"I'm going to give $1500 cheques to everyone in the room. It symbolizes my gratitude for you who took the time to accompany me and my family to this ceremony. Unfortunately, I could not give them in person because I have to return to Sacramento, but there are 2500 checks to cash in my name. »
Three million seven hundred fifty thousand dollars share For each person present, and, normally, the public is happy with this generosity.
"An NBA career is only a short stage in life. I admire anyone who agrees to graduate before being an NBA player. That's who I am. To end this chapter with all of you is a privilege. Thank you very much. Long live the Bearcats. »
He left immediately because every second counts in the race for the playoffs.