DETROIT – Tom Hur, a passionate Detroit Pistons fan from South Korea, recently made the trip to Detroit for the team’s home opener.
When asked if his experience was everything he hoped it would be, Hur said, “Yes, everything and even more. It’s been crazy.”
Hur recalled when he realized he was not alone in his fandom.
When asked if he meant the fandom in Korea or Detroit, Hur said, “It’s been crazy. It has been a lonely support of the Pistons for a lot of years because we are a bad team, and we didn’t have much international fans. But now, since we are in Detroit and everyone’s been supporting the Detroit Pistons, it feels like this is home.”
Hur believes the Pistons have the potential to become an international superpower in the future.
“I feel like the Detroit Pistons have the potential to be an international superpower,” Hur said.
During his visit, Hur has had memorable experiences.
“Tom Gores bought me a lot of Pistons goods. That was also cool. But the coolest thing is about the people of Detroit appreciating how I appreciate Detroit.”
Hur said the mutual appreciation between him and Detroit residents has been meaningful.
“I just appreciate how they appreciate Detroit. They know how much it means to me, and they know it’s genuine,” Hur said.
Hur’s love for Detroit goes beyond basketball.
“I’ve been a fan of the Pistons for so long, and I kept searching for Detroit-related stuff, and I eventually just became a fan of the city itself,” Hur said.
On this trip, he decided to explore the city fully.
“I decided this visit, I’m going to do everything I want to do. I’m going to go everywhere I want to go. Nothing’s going to stop me,” Hur said.
When asked about the best things to see and eat in Detroit, Hur recommended the new Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park.
“It’s so beautiful out there. That was one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to,” Hur said.
For food, Hur praised Mexican Town, Coney Island, Sweetwater Wings, and the burgers at Harry’s Grill.
“I cannot choose just one. It’s different. It’s difficult. It’s impossible,” Hur said.
Hur also attended a Detroit Red Wings game in which the team came back from a 4-0 deficit.
Because of the outcome, Hur was deemed the Red Wings’ good luck charm, to which he responded, “I hope so. Let’s go, Red Wings.”
Looking ahead, Hur hopes to return for the NBA playoffs.
“I’m going to be here in Detroit. I might quit my job. I don’t know,” Hur said.
The city will welcome Hur back anytime.
Full interview below