As the Miami Heat’s coach and president, Pat Riley and Dwyane Wade forged a unique friendship.

Riley gave an explanation of the reasoning behind selecting Wade with the fifth overall choice in the most recent episode of the podcast “The Why with Dwyane Wade,” which is a co-production of iHeartPodcasts and Wade’s 59th & Prairie Entertainment.

Wade started off, “I mean, I know I wasn’t the first pick in the draft, but I was the Heat’s first pick that year.” “What qualities in me as a fifth round selection led you to take that gamble on me as a player?”

During his two seasons at Marquette University, the 13-time All-Star averaged 19.7 points and 6.5 rebounds. There was a ton of talent in the 2003 draft class, including Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James. Still, the Heat’s front management went with perhaps the second-best player available.

“Well, we were really desperate at the time. I adore Caron [Butler], who we had. He was a man who was drafted. He went 10th, while he was meant to be picked fourth.Thus, you are drafted. That year, we had another person come in with you. However, we were playing the Bucks when I saw you in Milwaukee, and I had to ride my bike across the street from the hotel since the game was on. As a result, when I’m watching the game, I’m working out hard and trying to perspire. It’s quite cold. I just seen something extraordinary.”

Riley’s eyes weren’t playing tricks on him; Wade is a three-time NBA champion with the Heat and a Hall of Famer. As the head of Miami’s 2006 championship team, he was considered as one of the greatest shooting guards of his generation.

And the reason I say this is that excellence is distinct. It simply sticks out,” Riley went on. “And a ton of outstanding guys are sprinting across the court. Outstanding athletes, outstanding athletes, other exceptional athletes…But Dwyane, you just commanded attention and stood out. And, not realizing how large they were, I remarked, “His hands are enormous, and his arms are long—all the things that I believe great athletes need to dominate this game.” Whatever sport it may be, you know you had it. However, I also noticed the ferocity there, so I was sold at that point.”