TTM Stats
- Sent: 2/25/2022 | Received: 3/28/2022 | 33 Days
- ’96 Topps, ’97 Fleer, ’02 Upper Deck
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Greg Ostertag is a former center in the NBA. The 7’2″ big man played from 1995 to 2006 primarily with the Utah Jazz. He spent one season with the Sacramento Kings in 2004-’05.
Ostertag was born on March 6, 1973, in Dallas, Texas. From a young age, it was clear that Ostertag was destined for basketball. He grew up in Duncanville, Texas, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force on the court, thanks to his towering height and shot-blocking ability. Ostertag attended Duncanville High School, where he became one of the top high school players in the state, earning the attention of college scouts nationwide. His performance on the court earned him a scholarship to the University of Kansas, a school with a storied basketball tradition.
At Kansas, Ostertag continued to develop as a player, becoming a standout center for the Jayhawks under head coach Roy Williams. Standing 7-foot-2 and weighing around 280 pounds, Ostertag was a formidable presence in the paint, known for his shot-blocking and rebounding. During his four years at Kansas, Ostertag helped lead the Jayhawks to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Final Four in 1993. His defensive abilities and shot-blocking prowess were key to the team’s success, and he finished his college career as Kansas’ all-time leader in blocked shots, a record that stood for several years. Ostertag’s performance at Kansas earned him a spot in the 1995 NBA Draft, where he was selected by the Utah Jazz with the 28th overall pick in the first round.
His arrival in the NBA coincided with the peak of the Utah Jazz’s success. The team, led by Hall of Famers Karl Malone and John Stockton, was one of the most formidable in the league, and Ostertag’s defensive skills made him an essential piece of the puzzle. Ostertag quickly became known as a defensive specialist, tasked with protecting the rim and anchoring the Jazz’s defense. While he wasn’t a prolific scorer, his ability to block shots and alter opponents’ shots made him a valuable asset to the team. His size and physicality allowed him to match up against some of the league’s premier big men, including Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon.
The pinnacle of Ostertag’s career came during the Jazz’s back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998. While the Jazz ultimately fell short to Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in both series, Ostertag’s contributions were crucial to the team’s success in reaching the Finals. His defense and rebounding helped the Jazz contend against some of the toughest competition in the league, and he became a fan favorite in Utah for his blue-collar approach to the game.
Ostertag played 11 seasons in the NBA, 10 of which were with the Jazz. He briefly played for the Sacramento Kings during the 2004-2005 season before returning to Utah for his final season in 2005-2006. By the time he retired, Ostertag had amassed over 1,200 blocked shots, ranking among the top shot-blockers in NBA history.
After retiring from professional basketball, Ostertag focused on life beyond the court. Known for his down-to-earth personality and strong family values, Ostertag settled into a quieter life, dedicating time to his family and various charitable endeavors.
One of Ostertag’s most significant contributions off the court came in 2002 when he donated a kidney to his sister, Amy Hall. The selfless act not only saved his sister’s life but also highlighted Ostertag’s character and willingness to help others. Despite concerns about how the donation might affect his basketball career, Ostertag returned to the NBA after his recovery, further cementing his reputation as a player who prioritized family and personal integrity. In addition to his family commitments, Ostertag has remained involved in basketball, participating in youth camps and clinics to help develop the next generation of players. His experience as a defensive specialist and his understanding of the game make him a valuable mentor to young athletes aspiring to play at higher levels.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the other successful return, check out my post from July 2023.
The Score on Greg Ostertag – 5.5
This is a tough one for Greg. Basketball cards just tend to have so many challenges with showing off a signature very well. The images are busy on two of these, and then there’s the pretty much blank background on the third. Still, Greg does a good job with what you give him.
Thanks Mr. Ostertag! I’m giving this return a 5.5 overall.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Basketball Reference.