Players and fans enjoyed the moment as New York, New York blared over the Blackham sound system.

Warner will be back in town today, spotlighted at the Cajundome along with East Ascension coach Kenny Allmond and former Nicholls State and NBA player Gerard King on the final night of the LHSAA-State Farm Top 28 Boys Basketball Tournament.

When the Top 28’s Gerald Hebert approached Warner about joining a growing list of honorees for the tournament, it brought back pleasant memories for the New Orleans product.

"I played in Europe, and when I talked about going back home, that was always New Orleans," Warner said. "But if I had stayed in the States, my home would have been Lafayette."

Cajun fans were equally fond of Warner, who was part of a special era in UL basketball under coach Bobby Paschal that produced an 84-38 record, two NCAA Tournament appearances and the NIT Final Four in 1984.

It also didn’t take long for Sonji, Warner’s wife of four years, to be impressed by the Acadiana area atmosphere when the couple visited.

"Sonji said the people are so warm and nice," Warner said. "They’re not afraid to talk to you and make you feel welcomed."

Warner scored 1,762 points, collected 682 rebounds, distributed 274 assists and executed 153 steals during his Cajun career, then converted that all-around game to a 12-year professional career in Europe and South America.

"I was wide-eyed when I first got in," Warner admitted. "I had to prove I belonged, had to realize what my job was. That took about two years."

Playing in France, Italy, Greece and other locales, Warner became one of the game’s leading scorers (named in one poll as the best at his position) who was capable of signature performances.

"I was in a classic game against Real Madrid, when I hooked up with Drazen Petrovic," Warner said.

"I scored 47, he had 45. It went back and forth like that."

That experience wasn’t limited to the court, however.

"The first thing is, you learn a lot about yourself," Warner said. "You’re much more cultured. I learned to speak French well. It was something I felt I needed to do."

Warner’s time is now spent driving 18-wheelers, managing a couple of New Orleans properties with his wife, playing in over-35 and over-40 basketball leagues and coaching 14-year-olds in AAU basketball.

"Other than that, I’ve got nothing to do," Warner said with a laugh.

"It’s tough stretching my time out. I was trying to get up there Wednesday, so I would have more time to visit, but I couldn’t get off. But I’m looking forward to coming back."

Top 28 honorees

Below are the individuals who will be recognized tonight at the Cajundome for their contributions to the game of basketball during championship finals of the LHSAA-State Farm Top 28 Boys Basketball Tournament.   Kenny Allmond   Gerard King   Graylin Warner