Rucker Park?

I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.

Bird vs Magic

Bird vs Magic

Crossover

The New York Times produced a video discussing the history of the crossover dribble. Allen Iverson made the move popular, but I believe that Tim Hardaway had the best crossover (also the best nickname for a move ever: the UTEP two step) of all time.

Lamont Paris is an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin. This may not be news for you, but it is for me. I idolized the guy growing up. When I was in 7th grade, Lamont was the starting point guard on Findlay High School’s basketball team (if I remember right I wore #11 because he did). His game was smooth. I predict we’ll hear more about him in a few years; he’ll be a head coach.

Dan Patrick has a great interview with Larry Bird. And, like Chitwood & Hobbs says, Bird is at his best (still) talking trash. Bird’s memory is fantastic — a trait of all good trash talkers.

LB: I can hit 95 of 100 when I get going.

DP: From where?

LB: Anywhere.

I watched the Fab Five documentary last night. Growing up, I was a huge fan of the Fab Five. I had the black socks, black shoes and navy shirt they wore; they had swagger and I wanted it too.

As I watched the documentary, I relived my childhood memories of heading to Chrystler Arena to see the Fab Five play and the style of basketball that was played during that time.

In 1989 I lived in Casey, IL and became a huge fan of the Fighting Illini. They had team led by Nick Anderson, Kendall Gill and Kenny Battle (my favorite). That was the first year I became a college basketball fan.

In 1990, it was UNLV with Larry Johnson and Stacey Augmon. The Runnin’ Rebels were the team of the year and captivated my mind.

Then in 1992 when we moved back to Ohio I found my new team. The Fab Five were all I could think about. I listened to hip-hop, wore my shorts baggy and did my best to pattern my game after them.

This morning with the documentary still fresh in my head I pulled up this old article I’ve had bookmarked, UM Frosh Changed Game, America. It’s a great read and it mentions two of the three teams I referenced.

But it’s only memories.

I don’t watch (much) college basketball anymore. The game has changed. It’s a new era and style. One I don’t like. I miss the ’89 Illinois, ’90 UNLV and ’92-93 UM teams.