SAN ANTONIO – Spurs fans are flocking to a new Gregg Popovich mural amid the head coach’s absence from the team as he recovers from a mild stroke, sidelining him for most of the season.
The mural was designed and created by local artists Mikey Sanchez and J.C.Art. The mural, located at Amols' Party and Fiesta Store at 227 Fredericksburg Road, honors Popovich’s legacy with the Spurs and the city.
It features a younger Popovich with the first Spurs championship trophy, an older Popovich in the background, and the city skyline. Sanchez told KSAT the mural took five days to complete and that artists worked on the piece for about 40 to 50 hours from start to finish.
“Pop does a lot for our community, and we decided to do this in appreciation towards him and the City of San Antonio,” Sanchez said. “I love the way it turned out. We added the word ‘loyalty’ because that’s the definition of Gregg Popovich. He’s loyal to San Antonio. He’s always backed our city, and he stayed with us for most of his career.”
The artists also added a small green parakeet to the lower left side of the mural as a tribute to April Maldonado, the wife of Sanchez’s good friend, Jason. Sanchez told KSAT that April died from a car crash while he was painting the mural.
“While I was painting the mural, the parakeet landed on my ladder, and one of my good friends, Jason Maldonado, had gotten into an accident. I found that out his wife had passed and we dedicated this mural to his beautiful wife. May she rest in peace,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez said he’s grateful for the attention and praise from Spurs fans and San Antonians. He was born and raised on the West Side and is a lifelong Spurs fan. The team has not shared any further details on Popovich’s condition, and Sanchez wishes Popovich the best as he recovers.
“Gregg Popovich, he’s the GOAT. It’s pretty cool that a lot of people are sharing the same reaction and inspiration. They’re thanking and appreciating coach,” Sanchez said . “Thank you, coach, for allowing us to be a part of your organization. We’re all diehard Spurs fans and wishing him a speedy recovery.”