Tag: Billy McKinney

Former Chicago Bulls player, exec Billy McKinney’s Northwestern jersey retired

“It’s a tremendous way to be recognized,” said McKinney.

Former Chicago Bulls player and executive Billy McKinney had his collegiate jersey retired by Northwestern University this week, according to recent reporting from Sports Illustrated’s Stephen Beslic. That honor makes him the first such athlete to be so honored in the history of the school, and that is not the only first McKinney has on his résumé.

The former Wildcat guard also became the first-ever African-American executive with the Bulls organization, joining the team’s front office after retiring as a player with the club after the 1985-86 season.

“It’s a tremendous way to be recognized … something that I’ve never thought about,” said McKinney of the honor from his alma mater via ABC 7’s Dionne Miller. “And for it to happen now, at this stage in my life … when I can really appreciate it and understand the magnitude of what it means … it’s surreal.”

“”It’s amazing to be in that environment and feel like I’m home,” he added.

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Four decades’ worth of NBA memorabilia …

Four decades’ worth of NBA memorabilia fill his office, telling the story of McKinney’s seven years as a journeyman point guard and 33 seasons as a front-office executive. These days, though, the 64-year-old has more important things to talk about. Two years ago, McKinney left the NBA behind. The man who once scouted an NAIA player named Scottie Pippen and who served as the first general manager in the history of the Minnesota Timberwolves is now mayor of his small hometown. “There’s two things I said I’d never do in life,” McKinney says. “I’d never get into politics, and I’d never move back to Zion. And look where I am.”