SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Outside of Armenia, California has one of the largest populations of Armenians. While Football is the national sport of Armenia, Basketball is gaining popularity -and Armenians can be found cheering for the Lakers in LA and the Warriors in the Bay, which is why Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is passionate about his team’s Armenian heritage night. The Warriors are one of the most popular sports franchises on the planet, and when they faced the Milwaukee Bucks on March 18, the on-court actions weren't the only attraction. Folks traveled from the Central Valley and beyond for a celebration of Armenian heritage in Northern California and the NBA.  “God, all the things Armenians have been through in life and we come together and we enjoy together like we will tonight,” Fresno native and Filmmaker Ani Hovannisian said. Before tip-off, fans were treated to a traditional Armenian dance performance. “It’s awesome, there’s a lot of eyes on you so it's a little nerve-wracking, but the group came in with a lot of excitement for this, and I think while we were dancing, it was showing from us,” Vonn Dance School of the St. Andrew Armenian Church dancer Areg Nersisyan said. At halftime Armenia's girl’s basketball stars, with Homenetmen Ani, balled out during a scrimmage. “It was fantastic, hearing our name Homenetmen Ani being said in Chase Center was by far one of the best moments of the night, of possibly this year,” Homenetmen Ani Chairperson Alin Azadkhanian said. “I’m really glad I don't have to stay home and do homework, I'm just coming out here and having fun,” Homenetmen basketball player Arpi said. After the Warriors beat the Bucks, head coach Steve Kerr joined Milwaukee coach Rex Kalamian on the court to share a story about his grandparents and why Armenian Heritage Night is so important to him. “They were relief workers, they started an Orphanage to take care of the Armenian children there,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. Kerr’s grandparents saved thousands of orphans during the Armenian genocide. Their legacy lives on today. “Once a month, an Armenian person comes up to me and thanks me for my grandparents' service, and they’ll say something like, I’m only here because of your grandparents,” Kerr said. Kalamian, also a proud Armenian and head coach of the Armenia men’s national basketball team, helped make the night possible. “I think this illustrates how well and how connected and how loved the Armenian community is with each other,” Coach Kalamian said. Armenian fans walked away with priceless memories and a call to action for sports teams in the Central Valley. “To envision an Armenian Heritage Night with the Bulldogs or with any of the teams in Fresno is so exciting, and I would be there in a flash,” Hovannisian said. Ticket sales from that game will help provide kids in Armenia opportunities to play basketball through Hoops for Hayastan. The Armenian national basketball team is headed to Fresno. They face Costa Rica on June 6. ...read more read less