Congrats to Michael Zerillo and Hugo the Hornet for being selected NBA Mascot of the Year by his mascot peers at this year’s NBA Mascot Conference.

It is unusual to publicly name an NBA mascot, however Mike is also the retiring Hugo the Hornet performer. After 17 seasons (and three cities) Mike is hanging up his Lycra tights and bug wings.

It has been a pleasure of mine to know Mike for nearly 18 years and enjoying his performances and having the chance to work alongside him on several occasions. He is a true professional and an amazingly talented athlete and performer.

I am also excited to announce that Mike has agreed to an upcoming Gameops.com Interview to discuss mascotting, his career, cajun food and much more. I expect this interview will be part of the November 2007 Update (but don’t hold me to that).

Congrats Michael. All the best from your friends and fans here at Gameops.com.

-Cudo