Connecticut’s Own Ray Allen to Bring Celtics Trophy to Hartford

By the Boston Celtics
Posted Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The Boston Celtics and Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that players from last season’s championship team and executives from the legendary franchise will be bringing the 2008 NBA World Championship Trophy to Connecticut on Thursday, September 18, 2008 .

The contingent will be led by Connecticut ’s own Ray Allen, the veteran NBA All-Star who helped lead the Celtics to their first World Championship in 22 years. Allen was a star at the University of Connecticut from 1993-96 and an All-American. He finished his career third on the school’s all-time scoring list and was named to the Huskies’ All-Century team in 2001. An eight-time All-Star, Allen played 12 seasons for the Milwaukee Bucks and Seattle Supersonics before returning to New England for last season’s championship run with the Celtics.

Celtics guards Rajon Rondo and Tony Allen, as well as Team President Rich Gotham, will also be on hand to meet with Governor Rell and display the trophy at the State Capitol as their way of personally thanking fans for their support of the team as they won their 17th NBA Championship last season. Also traveling with the team for the championship celebration will be Celtics legend JoJo White, Celtics Dancers and “Lucky”, the Celtics mascot.

The trophy will be available for public viewing on Thursday, September 18, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm in the first floor rotunda of the State Capitol Building , located at 210 Capitol Avenue in Hartford , Connecticut .

“ Connecticut is home to some of the most passionate and knowledgeable basketball fans in the entire country and anytime we have the opportunity to show our appreciation to one of our favorite teams we will. September 18 will be Boston Celtics Day in Connecticut, not only to congratulate the team, but to recognize the thousands of Celtics fans across the state who want to celebrate with the team, get an up close look at a piece of NBA history and join other fans in generating excitement as the Celtics prepare to defend their title,” Governor Rell said.

The Celtics beat the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference playoffs before meeting the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2008 NBA Finals. The Celtics, which finished the season with a 66-16 record, beat the Lakers in six games to capture their 17th NBA title.

Those planning on attending the event should know that public parking will be available on the State Capitol grounds, in the Legislative Office Building (LOB) garage and metered parking around the Capitol area.