For one devoted fan from South Korea, Tom Hur, his love for the Detroit Pistons clearly knows no bounds. He started on his path with the squad when he was an early- to mid-2000s gamer playing NBA Live. He did that because he felt the Pistons presented the best challenge to him. That decision morphed into a deep fandom that most recently led us on a, shall we say, unforgettable excursion to Detroit.
Hur’s fandom deepened in 2010 when his favourite player at the time, Tracy McGrady, signed with the Pistons. Whether true or not, this connection increased his perceived loyalty. He eventually joined X (formerly Twitter) in September 2021 and took on the moniker @KoreaPistonsFan. Since then he’s dived deep into the Pistons’ online community. He’s engaging with other fans in real time and sharing what he’s learning.
In early November 2023, Hur set off on a thrilling three-day adventure to Detroit. During his time there, he had front row seats to a disastrous Pistons season that included an NBA record 28-game losing streak. Even as the team faced their challenges, Hur’s spirit could not be dampened. He had the unique opportunity to meet Pistons owner Tom Gores, who surprised him with a shopping spree at the team store.
I was only there for a few days. I really wanted to try out something,” he remarked about his visit. His adventurous shopping spree had just started. He caught a shirt reading “I was a Pistons fan before it was cool” to go along with a Ron Holland II jersey.
Hur’s week of adventure also involved a pretty epic helicopter tour over Detroit, which Hur captured by recording himself screaming “Detroit Basketball!” Hur jokingly lamented that he put on around 11 pounds within ten days. His path led him to feast in one of the most unique joys the area has to offer – Detroit-style pizza.
“I ate a lot. And I ate even more than I usually eat because I got hundreds of recommendations of restaurants,” he shared. But beyond that, Hur’s passion for the city, and the team, shines through in every conversation and experience.
The Pistons celebrated Hur for his commitment. To mark the occasion for World Basketball Day, they presented him with a custom jersey that featured the South Korean national flag and his name emblazoned across the back. Gores said he was blown away by Hur’s dedication to the team. It really got me going, that’s awesome! I just think that’s wonderful that he’s following us the way he is. Once we figured it out, we wanted to show him some love and show him what.
Hur’s infectious passion for the game is evident, despite dark days for the Pistons. He candidly acknowledged that he often takes “bathroom breaks” during clutch moments of games. “I get to finish a lot of the first half and I go on ‘bathroom breaks’ at times, especially during clutch time,” he quipped.
His distinct experience as an international fan brings powerful insight to the increasing global popularity of the NBA. Hur also makes sure to underscore that his love of the Pistons is no ruse. Because they know that my love for the Pistons and for Detroit is real. It’s not fake at all,” he stated.
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