It was probably evident to most people who’d been to a few Charlotte Hornets games, and certainly to anyone who worked for the team, that Jacinda Garabito and Derrick “Fly Ty” Jacobs had strong chemistry.
As arena co-hosts – those purveyors of Hornets-related hype who frequently pop up on the Spectrum Center’s big screens, mics in hand – the duo wore irrepressible smiles around one another. They joked, they improv’d, they danced, they generally had a good time together – whether the cameras were rolling or not.
But up until last March, no one who had anything to do with the Hornets knew just how strong their chemistry really was.
“We didn’t tell our boss,” Fly Ty says, “until –”
“Two weeks before we walked down the aisle,” Jacinda says, cutting in. “I mean, I didn’t even –”
“She didn’t even wear the ring,” Fly Ty interjects. “She had one, but she didn’t wear it because –”
“We just wanted to be as professional as possible in this arena,” Jacinda continues. “And I thought – we both thought – that it could put a bad taste in someone’s mouth if they knew we were dating.”
Yes, they’re on the verge of cliché as they keep finishing each other’s sentences in this November courtside chat. But the more they talk, the more unique their relationship appears.
They yearn for opportunities to work together, and not just in the coolest NBA job available to people who can’t play top-level basketball. They also seek more spiritually meaningful partnerships: They’re co-executive directors of Stolen Lunches, a Bible Study community that recently earned 501c3 nonprofit status; she’s in the final stages of self-publishing a religious-themed inspirational book (“Uniquely Qualified,” coming this spring), and now he’s writing one, too (working title: “The Journey Is the Reward”).
Oh, and if you’re a local station looking to punch up your programming, Derrick and Jacinda Jacobs are ready to interview tomorrow. Just remember, they’re a package deal.
Fly Ty: “I would LOVE to do a show with her.”
Jacinda: “Yeah, we’d love to do that.”
Fly Ty: “I’m speakin’ that right now: We’re gonna do a show together.”
Jacinda: “Go ahead, preach it!”
But they are getting ahead of themselves – and so are we. Let’s start from the beginning.
Related content Fly Ty and Jacinda Jacobs on togetherness
Theoden Janes
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Théoden Janes — who has covered entertainment at the Observer for nine years — is a veteran of three Taylor Swift concerts (but won’t admit that he actually likes her). Call him at 704-358-5897 or email: tjanes@charlotteobserver.com.
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