Jerry Colangelo is recognized as one of the most influential figures in professional sports. Born in 1939, he excelled in basketball and baseball at Bloom Township High School in Illinois, leading his basketball team to two state championship appearances and earning All-State honors in 1957. After briefly attending the University of Kansas, he transferred to the University of Illinois, where he captained the basketball team and earned All-Big Ten honors.

Following college, Colangelo played professional basketball in the American Basketball League before transitioning to executive roles. He began his career with the Chicago Bulls in 1966 and became the youngest general manager in professional sports in 1968 with the Phoenix Suns. Under his leadership, the Suns became playoff contenders, with Colangelo also coaching the team to their first playoff appearance in 1970.

As a four-time NBA Executive of the Year, Colangelo chaired the Suns from 1987 to 1999 and played a key role in bringing professional sports to Arizona, serving as president and CEO of the Phoenix Mercury and Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. Inducted into multiple halls of fame, he remains active in the NBA Board of Governors and is married to his wife, Joan, with whom he has four children.