‘I just felt so loved by him’: Suns’ Devin Booker brings young fan to tears with pre-game hug

DENVER – Zoey Kirksey, 11, couldn’t control the tears when meeting Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker for the first time before Saturday’s Game at Denver.

“Amazing,” a still tearful Kirksey said. “I have so much love in my heart for him and I was so happy.”

Kirksey made the trip from Rapid City, South Dakota with her family to watch Booker play for only the second time ever.

The first was when Phoenix completed the ‘Suns in 4’ sweep of the Nuggets with Game 4 win in Denver two years ago in the playoffs.

Apr 29, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Zoey Kirksey, age 11 from Rapid City, SD, weeps as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker hugs her during the pregame warmup before Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic

Kirksey’s mom, Sammy Coats, said the family sat a little higher behind the basket for that first game. This time, they sat in the lower corner where she and Booker connected.

As Booker was walking over towards her, Kirksey was beyond excited.

“I just felt like I had a heart attack,” she said while sitting on her dad’s lap, Brett Kirksey.

Booker signed an Orange Suns jersey, gave her a hug and made Kirksey’s life forever.

Apr 29, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Zoey Kirksey, age 11 from Rapid City, SD, weeps after Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker signed her jersey during the pregame warmup before Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic

“I just felt so loved by him,” she continued.

Zoey Kirksey said she couldn’t remember what Booker said to her, but words can’t do justice how she felt about meeting him.

“I’m so glad he gave me a hug,” she said. “He’s my favorite person in the whole world.”

When asked what she likes about Booker, Kirksey responded, “Everything.”

Booker has had several fan interactions over the years, but this one was filled with pure and undying emotion.

Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.

Support local journalism. Start your online subscription.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Devin Booker’s pre-game hug brings young fan to tears before Suns-Nuggets game