Kawhi skipping college HOF ceremony for preseason game
Not even his own induction ceremony could keep Kawhi Leonard from playing in the preseason.
The San Antonio Spurs defensive stalwart let his alma mater know he plans to skip his induction into the school's Hall of Fame on Friday, preferring to play in San Antonio's preseason finale instead.
"My goal right now is to get this team better," Leonard told Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. "I thank San Diego State for honoring me and I wish those guys luck in the upcoming season. They understand what I'm trying to accomplish."
Leonard stands as arguably the greatest player in the school's history, leading the Aztecs to a record 34 wins and their first Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament during his sophomore year.
While Leonard's decision to skip his Hall of Fame induction may come as a surprise to some, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich isn't the least bit shocked by the news.
"Kawhi is a lot like Timmy (Duncan) in that regard," Popovich told Orsborn. "Accolades don't mean anything to him. He just wants to win NBA championships. It really is all he thinks about as far as basketball is concerned."
The Spurs face the Houston Rockets at AT&T Center on Friday.