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Baby named after Josh Okogie of Phoenix Suns after neat experience at a game

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Published  January 2, 2025 5:39pm MST
Phoenix Suns
FOX 10 Phoenix

Baby named after Josh Okogie of Phoenix Suns

The Brief

    • A baby was named after Phoenix Suns player Josh Okogie because of a special experience his parents had at a game.
    • His parents were taking maternity photos at the Footprint Center when Okogie took notice and left a special message when signing a mini Phoenix Suns jersey.

PHOENIX - A Phoenix couple had some trouble when it came to naming their new baby boy, but that all changed after one Phoenix Suns game.

Husband and wife Scott and Emily Kolmer say they've always been Suns fans. Scott, especially, as he grew up in the Valley.

"We have pictures of me from the 92-93 season and so, being a big fan, it's always been important to me that one day when I have my own little kid, that he becomes a fan," Scott said.

When the couple found out they were expecting, they decided to take their pregnancy announcement photos earlier this year at one of their first date spots. A Phoenix Suns game.

"We have amazing reps, Jada and Whitney, who work for the Suns, and he explained his vision, and she said, "Yup, come on down,'" Emily explained.

While taking the photos, some of the players noticed and autographed a mini Suns jersey, but one message stood out.

A note from Suns player Josh Okogie said, "Please name him Josh," with a smiley face.

The irony was that the couple still hadn't picked out a name for their son who was on the way.

"When we got home and saw it, she was like, ‘I kind of love Joshua,'" Scott said.

Emily added, "And I was like, 'That's his name.' It was so weird because we had gone through hundreds, if not thousands of names, couldn't decide on anything, and then we see Josh, and we were like, how did we not come up with that? That's such a cute name."

On Sept. 1, Joshua Kolmer was born. And who is his birthday twin? You guessed it – Josh Okogie.

So, it was only right for little Josh to meet big Josh.

"I think he was shocked and excited and just so kind and so real. He joked that he would be Josh's godfather," Emily said.

Little Josh now has a story to brag about to his friends years down the road, and his parents, who are grateful for the kindness of the Suns organization and Josh Okogie who unknowingly turned their pregnancy photos into an experience of a lifetime.

"Yes, we are still just fans, but it feels like we have a friend out there which is cool," Scott said.

As far as names for baby no. 2, "Players are welcomed to submit their requests. We're accepting applications for baby number 2," Emily said.

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