Josiah and Manute Bol

Recently one of our friend’s took his son six year-old son, Josiah to hear former NBA star Manute Bol speak about the work he is doing in Sudan.  Bol is building schools through Sudan Sunrise. During the Q&A time Josiah, asked a simple question, “What can I do?”   Bol suggested Josiah write a letter to the children in his village.  The answer to his question is Josiah and Friends. Its purpose is to raise money and awareness of the need for schools in Sudan.   So far Josiah has raised over$100 for the school project.

I ask that you take some time to check out Josiah and Friends.

Today is World AIDS Day. It’s a day to raise awareness about the problem of HIV/AIDS around the world.

HIV/AIDS is an awful disease that has killed millions of people all over the world. Like other countries in Africa, it is especially bad in Sudan. There are over 320,000 people who are infected with the disease. What’s worse is that there are 25,000 children between the ages of 0 and 14 who have HIV/AIDS in Sudan.

With little access to medical treatment, one of the best ways that we can fight this disease is through education. If we teach people how to read and write, and give them access to information, we can help them learn how to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS. That’s one more reason why what we’re doing is so important!

So let’s raise some money to help build some schools. It just might save a few lives in Sudan!

Today I got an email from Sudan Sunrise. They told me that they linked to Josiah and Friends in the “In the News” section on the main page of their website. How cool is that!!??

Now hopefully even more people will learn about what we’re doing and help us raise money to build schools in Sudan!

Today I learned a little bit about Sudan and the countries that border it. If you’d like to help your children learn more about Sudan you can download the worksheet by clicking the image above.

We’ll be doing more things like this as we go so parents can teach their kids about Sudan too!

Here I am meeting Manute Bol. There are alot of things that I remember about that night.

The first thing I remember is that even though he was sitting in a wheelchair, he was still taller than me. I especially noticed how long his legs and feet were. Daddy and I talked about how he probably would have to duck down if he was in my room!!

The next thing I remember is watching a video about his basketball career. I remember that he played basketball for the Sixers, Nuggets and Warriors. We watched him block alot of shots and score alot of points!

It was hard to understand what he said because he was from another country. But I do remember hearing him talk about building a school in Sudan. He was doing it because there were 300 kids in his village, but no schools. I thought that was sad because children can’t learn when they don’t have schools. Then he asked us all to help.

I asked him what I could do since I was only six years old. He laughed. He wasn’t sure how to answer. How could he?

By Mike Parsons

A few weeks ago I was approached by a buddy at work about playing fantasy basketball. I declined at first citing that I had no clue when it came to “The Association”, other than the fact that Jim Rome calls it “The Association.” I was informed that the league would be “auto-draft” and not wanting to be left out of the gentle ball busting that brings dudes together at the office I decided what the hell. Low and behold after the first week and a half my team is full of players i’ve never heard of (except for that guy whose in the cell phone commercials with Charles Barkley) and sits atop the league standings (in all fairness hot office chick who picks her team based on who wears the prettiest costumes is not playing this year).

The only year I remember taking any interest in “The Association” was 1993, when I was 9, why? Because of NBA Jam. Imagine my dissapointment after turning on a game and seeing no flaming basketballs nor boom shaka-lakas from half court. I have a feeling that if I played fantasy basketball back in those days I’d be in first place and it would be no accident.

My starting 5

Horace Grant

By 1993 Michael Jordan was no longer a basketball player,

he was a brand which for one reason or another kept him out of the game.

The Bulls were Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippin;

In NBA Jam  Horace Grant was the other guy on the Bulls who wasn’t Scottie Pippin; therefore by default Horace Grant was Michael Jordan.

Larry Johnson

As a 9 year old name recognition and Jersey color

were key factors when picking a favorite player.

 Besides the Charlotte teal it actually turns out that Grandmama

 was this guy in a wig, amazing.

Plus Grandmama was on Urkel.

Harold Miner

“Baby Jordan” would be the guy you waste a high draft pick on who ends up crapping the bed once the season starts.

For some reason this guy was always in those “Superstars of the NBA” books I would buy at the 4th grade book fair but never seemed to be all that good.

Manute Bol

Simple logic would state: tall=good at basketball. Who was taller than Manute Bol? No one. Who was better than Manute Bol? Well alot of people.

This guy really should have been more of a cultural phenomenon than he was, “My Giant” should have been his movie Gheorghe Muersan was too “Princess Bride.” Drop Manute’s name in a casual conversation about basketball, it will get a laugh, guaranteed.

Bill Clinton

All you had to do was hold down L, Start and X after typing in the initials “ARK” and William Jefferson would show up on any team with all 10’s! (for the Super Nintendo)

My only hope is that I would have been #1 or 2 in the draft, theres no way a player with that skill set would have been left after the first two picks.

For a while in the early part of this decade, it seemed like the Oakland Raiders ripped my heart out every year.

They beat the Jets big, they beat them small. They beat them in the regular season, they beat them in the playoffs. OK, no more Dr. Seuss-like pronouncements. But basically, the Raiders owned the Jets.

That’s why Sunday was so sweet for me, and for, I’m sure, all the Jets fans out there. Sunday, against one of the worst NFL teams I have ever seen, Gang Green beat the ever-loving stuffing out of the Raiders, 38-0.

Except for one horrible injury to Leon Washington, who suffered a broken fibula and about whom a teammate said “I could see blood spurting out. I’ve never seen anything like that before” (lovely), it was a sensational day for the Jets.

They finally did what they should’ve done last week: run, run, and run some more, and throw the ball only when absolutely necessary.

Thomas Jones looked terrific, as did rookie Shonn Greene (though, unlike the Mets’ Shawn Green, I don’t think is Jewish), who replaced Leon Washington.

Mark Sanchez did just enough, though I have no freakin’ idea why he was still in the game to take a couple of hellacious hits late in the fourth quarter. Sanchez was poised, confident, and made the throws he needed to make. And really, that’s all we should ask of the kid. These Jets fans who are ready to throw him out after a few bad games are morons. The kid has now started 23 games since high school.

The Jets defense was outstanding (welcome to the season, Calvin Pace, you of your two strip sacks), and JaMarcus Russell, God bless you for being so awful. He basically gave the Jets their first two touchdowns. I was legitimately sad when the Raiders pulled him.

Losing Leon is a huge blow; his dangerous kickoff returns alone make him a big asset. But with this win, the Jets stay a game back of New England, and have a chance at some Dolphins revenge next week.

Man, this Jets team is hard to figure after 7 weeks: Three straight wins, then three straight losses, now a resounding win. Ask me around Thanksgiving and I’ll be able to tell you if they’re any good or not.

Some other quick-hit thoughts on this NFL Sunday:

**Good God the Saints are explosive. Down 24-3, they scored 43 points in the last two quarters and the last minute of the first half. Forty-three! Couldn’t happen at a better time, against the hated Dolphins. Thanks, Drew Brees. If the 4-3 Jets can beat 2-4 Miami next week at the Meadowlands, that could just bury the ‘Fins’ playoff hopes. Lovely.

**Ah, that’s the Brett Favre I remember from last season. A fumble in the fourth quarter in the red zone against Pittsburgh, returned for a touchdown, then an INT that wasn’t his fault a few minutes later.

**So someone please tell me how JaMarcus Russell is still a starting quarterback in the NFL. If he’s an NFL quarterback, I’m Manute Bol.

**Go ahead, you figure out the Cincinnati Bengals.

**As for the New York Yankees, I of course am thrilled to see them finish off those poor-fielding Angeles of Los Angeles, 5-2 Sunday night. It seems like it’s been a lot longer than six years since the Bronx Bombers have been in the Series, but that’s probably just something obnoxious Yankee fans like me think sometimes.

Couple thoughts:

1. This will be a longer post this week, but the Yankee fans’ adoration of Alex Rodriguez is something I never thought I’d see. Much like with Bill Clinton, I’ve always been so conflicted about him, myself.

2. It amazes me what pressure can do to human beings. The Angels were a fantastic defensive team in the regular season. But in the pressure cooker of October, they melted like an egg on a sidewalk in Florida in July.

3. Also, memo to FOX baseball directors: We really don’t need to see a fan reaction shot to EVERY out. And why do we care if Giuliani’s at the game anymore? He hasn’t been the mayor since 2001.

**Finally, I was watching a Rangers game Saturday night through the NHL’s free preview of its Center Ice Package, and the telecast was a “Hockey Night in Canada” production. Always a good time. Anyway, I heard a promo for something that I couldn’t believe was real, but apparently it is.

There’s a Canadian sitcom called “Little Mosque on the Prairie.” Seriously. According to the show’s web site, it’s an internationally-acclaimed comedy about Muslims and Christians attempting to live in harmony in the small town of Mercy, Saskatchewan.

This brings to mind all kinds of jokes in my head (would Laura Ingalls Wilder ever go to Mecca?), but I’m sure many of them would be offensive.

Anyway, here’s a clip of the show, from the first episode: I found it interesting.

Everyone likes to express themselves in their own way, and NBA players are no different. From hairstyles to tatoos, to beards and mustaches, each player has their individual style. Some players take their individuality to the extreme for all of us to see. Here is my list of All-Time NBA players who were not afraid to express themselves and gave us a lasting image while on the court:

Honorable Mention:

Bill Russell – Style can also be expressed in jewelry, and no one has more championship rings than Mr. Russell.

10) Manute Bol – Who could forget his 7′7, “Daddy Long Legs” physique where 95% of his body was arms and legs. As a fan favorite in Philly, he once hit 6 of 12 on three point shots in a game against former teammate Charles Barkley, when with the Suns.

9) Stephon Marbury – By now we all are fascinated by Steph’s online antics eating glue and crying. He’s like a bad accident, we just can’t look away. We should have realized that he was heading down the oddball path last Summer when he was apparently influenced by Mike Tyson to get his Starbury logo tatted onto his head.

Adam Morrison – Although he was a tremendous player at Gonzaga, he is more known for his cheesy, shady looking mustache while riding the pine, in the NBA.

7) Anthony Mason – As a revered defensive presence in the NBA for 13 years, Mason may have been the first player to shave words and sayings into his head, like “I’m Ready” during the ‘99 NBA lockout.

6) Kenny “Sky” Walker – Although other players like Dell Curry, Sam Perkins, and most recently Brandon Jennings, rocked the high top fade, Walker’s was probably the highest. That along with his spandex shorts extending a few inches below his regulation NBA attire, and winning the ‘89 Slam Dunk title, made him a crowd favorite.

5) Chris “Birdman” Andersen – Everything about the Birdman is in your face, from his many different stylish hairdoo’s, emphatic dunks, numerous tatoos, to his hands flapping with his arms folded celebrations after a big dunk.

4)Kurt Rambis – The Wolves new head coach used to wear some stylish specs during his playing days, making millions of fans think it was cool to wear glasses……………..not!

3) “Dr J” Julius Erving – Early fans of the “Dr” remember he, along with Artis Gilmore sported huge afros, all the way back to their ABA days.

2) Allen Iverson – The “Answer” has his own style even today. Using his diminutive stature to score at will, to the many tatoos, the cornrows, and even his on and offcourt swagger, AI definately expresses himself.

1) Dennis Rodman – “The Worm” got under everyone’s skin, even his own teammates. While he was undoubtedly one of the best rebounders in history, Rodman without a doubt put on a show, from the outragious hair colors, to mocking opponents, kicking photographers, refusing to wear shoes, and even getting married to………………….himself.

By White Spot (On Rasheed Wallace’s Head)

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Bill Laimbeer has resigned as Detroit Shock head coach. No explanation has been given yet.

The Shock currently sit in second to last place in the Eastern Conference, however they are the defending WNBA champions. Laimbeer has largely been seen as a pivotal player in the building of the recent Detroit dynasty– he was brought on board the team six and a half years ago and orchestrated a worst-to-first turnaround in 2003.

ESPN is reporting that Laimbeer’s former teammate on the “Bad Boy” Pistons, Rick Mahorn, will take over head coaching duties. Mahorn of course is best remembered for being one half of the Thump n’ Bump duo, along with Charles Barkley, and for this truly classic Youtube video where he pranked Manute Bol.

The Detroit Free Press article indicates that Laimbeer has always wanted to try his hand in the coaching world of the NBA, and so it can be assumed that he’s probably resigning to pursue those interests.

Of course this brings up one of the main problems in the WNBA– it cannot, and will not, be a place where the most talented coaches want to end up at.

Geno Auriemma, for example, is, along with Pat Summit, the most accomplished women’s basketball coach in history. He has no need to leave the University of Connecticut, or, most likely, any desire to. Though last season was by no means a banner one for Summit, she probably doesn’t want to leave her post either.

Laimbeer has been the most accomplished head coach in the league the past six years–three titles, one coach of the year award–yet, even at the pinnacle he sat at, still wanted to go and coach in the NBA. He even almost went to the Knicks a couple of years ago, even though that franchise has many, many problems.

Until the most talented coaches in the league are like those on the college level, and until the most talented players don’t have to play in Russia during their winters just to make a living, the league will not be a success. The D-League mentality in the WNBA is one of the reasons that it will never be seen as seriously as it’s older brother. And, for true fans of the game, which, admittedly, the writers of this blog have become this year, that is a shame.

Come back to WNBA Outsiders as more news develops.

Multiple sources are saying that Mark Jackson will be the new Minnesota Timberwolves coach, not Bill Laimbeer, as originally thought. Yes, the Mark Jackson of “mama there goes that man again” fame.

“Hey, Manute Bol – how’s the weather up there?” It is a question that has been pondered by millions. And while we all laugh when Manute timidly reports, “cloudy with a chance of showers,” before leaning over and cleverly spitting on the unsuspecting rube, the truth is that his answer doesn’t get us any closer to understanding the unique weather patterns that this towering man inevitably encounters on a daily basis.

Of course, we’d all like to see the world from Manute’s point of view – if even for just one day. In pursuit of this dream, countless men (and one woman) have ventured out to climb, and ultimately summit, the towering human giant. However, to this date no one has been successful.

Where did they go wrong? Usually, somewhere around the belly button, as it turns out (or Devil’s hole as it has become known among Manute-aneers). By analyzing where these failed adventurers went wrong, Pleated Jeans has put together a guide intended to give future climbers a fighting chance in their attempts to one day crest the apex of this wondrous colossus.

Step One: Ask Manute for Permission

As seasoned Manute-aneer Dave Boyle would tell you (if he hadn’t fallen to his death during his third attempt), a surprise tactic for climbing Manute Bol simply does not work. Why not, you ask? Simply put, because Manute Bol does not like surprises. They make him angry.

This means that when Manute (eventually) discovers you backpacking up his mighty frame, he’s going to be none too happy – and you’ve got enough things to worry about without a couple of sinewy, NBA-worthy appendages angrily swatting at you and your Sherpa as you venture skyward.

As such, a much safer tactic is to simply ask Manute’s permission before beginning your ascent. He is a gentle giant, and therefore will typically oblige to your pleas. However, if he does not agree, try buttering him up by offering him a segment of his favorite candy bar – the Toblerone.

Step Two: Bring Plenty Of Supplies

When sizing up Manute Bol, the majority of climbers inevitably focus on the man’s sheer height. Though his stratosphere-scraping apogee is undoubtedly a factor, the majority of experts agree that summiting Manute Bol would be a rather easy task if height were, indeed, the only variable.

What many adventurers fail to prepare for is the sheer difficulty of Manute’s skeletal terrain. This is no Shaquille O’Neal or Yao Ming. Unlike these muscular leviathans, Manute Bol is, quite literally, skin and bones. This makes for a near 90-degree cliff face that endures for the near entirety of the climb. As such, be sure to bring along enough supplies to cover the significant setbacks and slow-goings that you will inevitably encounter.

Step 3: Avoid the Devil’s Hole

It has been said that no one will ever traverse Manute Bol’s expansive belly button and live to tell the tale. Indeed, the Devil’s Hole has claimed the lives of over a dozen men (and one woman) that have attempted to surpass the demonically obtuse concavity found therein. Despite this fact, a handful of altitude-enthusiasts have made it so far as Manute’s mid-torso region.

How did they do it? By avoiding the Devil’s Hole altogether, opting instead to trek laterally to Manute’s hindquarters. Though time-consuming, this tactic is almost certainly the best option given the extremely limiting alternatives.

Step 4: Train for High Altitudes

It is estimated that at Manute’s peak, there are 40 percent fewer oxygen molecules per cubic inch of atmosphere. In the end, it is this lack of oxygen that inevitably led Leonard Mantooth to give up so close to the summit, settling instead for his record-setting climb to Manute’s nipples way back in 1997.

To prepare for such dangers and avoid altitude sickness, it is suggested that you acclimate your body to lofty altitudes prior to attempting your climb. To do this, invest in a tall, stable ladder (7-ft., 7-inches tall or greater) and sit atop it for several hours a day while practicing the ancient Sanskrit art of breathing, pranayama.

——

If you liked this, then other humor blog posts you may like include:

• How To Get A Job In Hell
• How To Avoid Being Turned Into A Stone Statue
• FAQs For Your JinnCo Brand Genie Enslavement Lamp

Arrrrrr you alright in there?

Nothing like starting my Wednesday off with a good old fashioned mind fuck.  I can only come up with 2 possibilities as to what the hell I’m looking at here.

1.  A mini dual peg-legged pirate is attempting to piss in a big boy toilet.  Not good for the floor and not good for his little muffin ass.   Probably where the term “ass pirate” originated. 

2. That is the vertical smile of a nice young lady administering her first blumpkin.  A “job” that should probably be on the season finale of  “Dirtiest Jobs”  with Mike Rowe.

-CB  (thanks to Kelly for the pic)

What do the Townies think? 

Send pics and hate mail to shavetown.com@gmail.com

Manute Bol was tall. Big L was, well BIG, big enough to have taken over this rap game and probably end some careers before they even started. Peep one of his few music video’s from Big L’s debut solo album, Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous, which was released on March 28, 1995.  Big L was shot to death in Harlem on February 15th 1999. R.I.P. 

MPFREE: Big L – Put It On

Got some fries for lunch with my Philly Cheesesteak. Check out his crazy one out of the bunch:

Imagine how big the potato must've been...

Longest fry I’ve ever seen! It’s like the LeBron of fries… the Chosen One.

…or like the Shawn Bradley / Manute Bol of fries…

I edited this film.

Directed by Corey Cole.

Actors: Corey Cole, Straight D’s on the Report Card C’s, and Iced Dean

Actually I can guarantee that doing anything with Manute Bol is fun.

Sir Charles Barkley and Rick Mahorn, were tough guys, great players and both are fun loving guys. So fun loving that they decided to mess with their  7-foot-7 Philadelphia 76er teammate.

Here’s the throwback clip…

Sixers play their final game at the Spectrum tonight, and I took this chance to put together a collection of old videos and pictures that you will hopefully like.

I am nearly 38 years old (my ugly guido ass saw the light in 1971) and I started following the Sixers at the beginning of the 80’s – even if then the media coverage on the NBA was way lesser of course – so this day is special to me.

Let’s make a shot tour through the…

 SPECTRUM MEMORIES

“The Boston strangler” Andrew Toney drops 25 points on the Celtics in the fourth quarter alone (1982), also posting up Larry Bird:

Wilt Chamberlain becomes the first player to score 50 points in a game in the building (1967):

Sixers beat the Bucks in game 7 of the EC SemiFinals, the last game seven played at the Spectrum (1981). Check out “Thunder chocolate” Darryl Dawkins’ unbelievable dunk:

And finally check the girl’s boobs & t-shirt some Doc J’s highlights, a fantastic footage.

To conclude, a nice pic of one of the best Sixers ever (courtesy of this gallery by Sports Illustrated):

While we are in a nostalgic mood, don’t forget to sign the “Retire Moses Malone’s #2 Sixers jersey” petition, a tribute to one of the greatest centers Sixers had (after Wilt and Manute, I mean).

If I could meet anybody, it would be Manute Bol. He is my favorite person of all time. I hope to one day get an authentic Manute Bol jersey. I would take a bullet for Manute Bol. He is more than just a really tall basketball player. I suggest you watch the Manute Bol “Beyond the Glory” series. His life story is crazy.

Manute Bol, your greatness has inspired a new category: Nacho Donut Heroes

MANUTE BOL UPDATE:

Upon doing research for this post I found out that Manute Bol was once interviewed at OU in what looks like the TV studio I used to work in. I don’t know if this was before or after I was there but just knowing that I once occupied the same space as Manute Bol at one point in time has made my day.

MANUTE INTERVIEW AT OU

I don’t know about you but I was a huge proponent of censorship in the wake of 9/11. Particularly the French. If I had to choose between censoring the French or basic civil liberties all I have to say is: don’t bother RSVP-ing (that commie abbreviation apparently stands for Répondez, s’il vous plaît) and pass the freedom fries.

We practice censorship here at Sleeper Pick and what our listeners don’t know won’t hurt them. Some words you will never hear on this podcast:

Playoffs

Kobe Bryant (see also: any star player)

Well run team

Super Bowl preview

Any player or team the vast majority of the U.S. public wants to hear about in a sports podcast

→→→→

Furthermore, what our listeners will know will likely hurt them, despite our best attempts at fully utilizing the Patriot Act during editing:

Manute Bol’s rookie year stats (he would have been so good in a tête-à-tête league)

The wire-tapped phone call from Ernie Grunfeld to whoever the hell is the interim coach for the Washington Wizards

Whether MTV’s Real World transgender participant,

CB/S tweener?

Katelynn Cusanelli , will be the Rudy-esque story of the Cowboy’s 2009 training camp

A sneak preview of Terrell Owens’ upcoming VH1 reality show (I wish I was making all this up)

Somehow we also sneak in a starting five du jour featuring:

DeAndre Jordan, Center, LA Clippers

Ramon Sessions, Point Guard, Milwaukee Bucks

Charlie Villanueva, Forward, Milwaukee Bucks

Linas Kleiza, Guard-Forward, Denver Nuggets

Mike Conley, Point Guard, Memphis Grizzlies (so déjà vu it’s de rigueur)

↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

Without further adieu:

Real World: Cowboys Training Camp

Voila!

(French, the language of love my a**)

A poco que un chavalote crezca más que la media, va a tener que contestar durante toda su juventud a esa pregunta ante esos familiares lejanos que ves dos o tres veces en tu vida o frente a todo tipo de gente que te acaba de conocer. Y puede ser que sí, que el chico en cuestión se dedique al baloncesto. Pero alguien debería explicar por televisión que ser alto no significa jugar bien a estos deportes. Te da ventaja, sin duda, pero no te asegura nada.

Porque aquí, como en todos lados, el éxito depende mucho del carácter de la persona (y de su talento, claro). Michael Jordan no llegaba a los dos metros en un mundo de gigantes y se le considera el mejor jugador de la Historia, nada más y nada menos.

Los tipos grandes también lloran. Glen “Big Baby” Davis, de los Boston Celtics, haciendo honor a su apodo mientras el compañero que está a su lado se pregunta “cómo puede haber llegado este chaval a jugar aquí”.

Los gigantones que realmente llegan lejos no tienen piedad de nadie ni de nada. Ni siquiera de las canastas. Shaquille O’Neal en sus tiempos mozos, a mediados de los noventa, se dedicaba a cargárselas. Una buena tarde descubrió esa afición…

…y pronto descubrió que quería dedicarse a ello.

Una pena que no le dejaran seguir con ello. No tardaron mucho en reforzar todas las canastas de la NBA. Nos quitaron un gran espectáculo.

Ser grande, como digo, te da ciertas ventajas en este deporte. Sus 2.03 de altura no le convertían en uno de los gigantones de la liga, pero Larry Smith se ganó una buena reputación como reboteador durante la década de los ochenta. Desafortunadamente para él, el baloncesto no sólo consiste en atrapar balones sueltos. Para eso están el béisbol o el balón prisionero. Aquí también hay que encestarlos en la canasta contraria. Y Larry, en eso, tenía sus problemillas.

Si no eres excesivamente alto, siempre te queda la opción de saltar más que nadie. Así se ha ganado la vida (y sus buenos millones de dólares) Shawn Marion, alguien que ha maravillado a la NBA con sus mates y tapones durante los últimos años. Lo que pasa es que al principio de su carrera no tenía muy claro cómo funcionaba este deporte. Menos mal que alguien le explicó a tiempo que no vale con encestar en cualquier canasta…

Shaquille O’Neal, en el banquillo, se partía de risa pensando que eso era lo más divertido que ha visto desde que le prohibieron destrozar canastas.

El baloncesto ha conocido gente altísima y jugadores muy bajitos. Hay casos de ambos tipos que han conseguido jugar, e incluso triunfar, en la NBA. El más alto de la historia es Gheorghe Muresan, un rumano que mide 2.32 y cuya carrera se desarrolló en los años noventa. Años antes apareció “Muggsy” Bogues, que con su metro sesenta ostenta el título de jugador con menor estatura que ha participado en esta liga.

Bol y Bogues: la I y el punto.

Curiosamente Bogues coincidió en el mismo equipo con Manute Bol, sudanés de 2.31. Un hombre enorme que tuvo problemas con otro jugador bajito: Spud Webb, campeón de un concurso de mates pese a su 1.68 de estatura, y que clavó este mate en la cara de Bol sin dificultad alguna.

Actualmente el jugador más alto de la NBA es Yao Ming, de los Houston Rockets, con 2 metros 26 centímetros. El más bajito es Nate Robinson, de los New York Knicks, de 1.75, el segundo campeón del concurso de mates con menor estatura tras Webb. Ming y Robinson también se han encontrado en la pista alguna vez… y no fue el grandote quien se llevó la mejor parte.

Así que queda claro: ser grande no es sinónimo de jugar bien al baloncesto. Ni siquiera es un requisito imprescindible. Puedes ser bajito y saltar mucho, puedes simplemente saltar mucho, incluso simplemente ser bajito. Lo que importa es que tengas claro cómo se juega a este deporte, no como el bueno de Shawn Marion cuando empezaba en la NBA.

Por último, un consejo: si no eres especialmente alto, ni saltas mucho, ni tienes demasiado talento, dedícate a jugar lo mejor posible sin intentar ofrecer espectáculo. También se puede destacar siendo un jugador correcto en todos los aspectos.

A este chico nadie se lo explicó a tiempo.

Simple as that.

It was 36 minutes of purple and gold, down to the final 102-114 loss that puts us three games under .500 again (8-11, .421).

Sixers got off to a good start, 17-7, but then serbian hero (?) Radmanovic started making shots (all of his 11 points coming in the first quarter, with 4/5 and three threes…) and Lakers went on a 24-6 run that turned the game. It was 25-31 at the end of the first, with an answered last second prayer by Andre Iguodala.

That deficit that was extended up to 19 in the third (64-83, with Bryant’s three with 1.57 to go) and that Sixers cut to seven in the fourth (97-104, 2.50 left). Nevermind, because Kobe put on a show with eight straight points, scoring in many ways: tough fallaway jumpers, even tougher drives, knocking down shots from the line. 

Just if Kobe wasn’t enough, Lakers big men were simply unstoppable in the paint: Gasol and Bynum combined for 15/23, with countless dunks and three point plays. Ariza and Farmar gave a good contribution also, with hustle plays and some key baskets while the starters were resting.

That was too much for the Sixers of these days.

Iguodala played a good game, Miller too, (also cutting his shots to only 21, LOL), Lou Williams had an encouraging fourth quarter. And if you look at Dalembert’s stat line, you could think he was decent last night. That is only partially correct, because he threw in also his usual bonehead plays just when they weren’t needed. An illegal pick on Fisher in the fourth, just in the middle of a run, a dumb foul etc.

There was a moment in the third when Fisher knocked down a tough three (64-77) and in the following play Ivey, wide open from behind the arc, shot an airball. That is all the difference between the two teams.

The sad news is that Brand got hurt, which also explains his 1/7 from the field. 

More news: according to this “insider” by NBA.com, Sixers are “underperforming” and, being currently at the bottom of the Conference, are among the biggest disappointments of the NBA so far. Now THAT is really shocking, and an excellent example of “behind the scene” journalism.

In related stories, other “insiders” could tell us that Iguodala being the fourth scorer of a team is not what Sixers were expecting when they gave him 80 millions, that Williams shooting 35% is not good for a guard, and that Manute Bol was pretty tall.

SIXERS4GUIDOS BONUS STATS AND RANDOM THOUGHTS: For good Lakers coverage check… damn, why would anyone look for Lakers coverage ???? – Sixers face Iverson’s Pistons on Friday, now that will be a game to watch – Instead, check Pistons Nation for all your needs about Detroit – Evans, Rush were both DNP CDs… – Thaddeus Young knocked down the first two shots of the game, two threes (6-0): Sixers had to wait until the fourth quarter to see anoher shot from behid the arc going down – Iguodala’s 1/3 from the line dropped his (already sucking) pct to a ridiculous 67.4%. – He was 7/8 at halftime, though, give him credit for that.

- Kentucky plays the Cleveland State Vikings today at 4:30 on CBS College Sports (weird time, weird channel, I know). I guess if you can’t play in Maui, Cancun ain’t too shabby. Tim Russert is probably Cleveland States’s most famous alum, but Manute Bol is infinitely cooler and more interesting

- They are 3-1, beating Sam Houston State 80-65 in their last game while holding Corey Allmond to just 2 for 8 from three point range. Their other wins come over powerhouses Florida A & M and Wilmington, Ohio. St. Bonaventure beat them 72-62.

- Guard Norris Cole averages 21 points a game. They have two other players averaging double figures.

- Kentucky’s 3-point defense was much improved against Rider, though the Broncs did miss many of the wide open threes that Miami and Sam Houston were hitting. Look for continued improvement on 3-point D.

- It was really nice to see Daniel Orton seize his opportunity and play well against Rider. He flies under the radar because of Cousins and Patterson, but if he keeps having performances like that he’ll earn his PT regardless of Cousins being in foul trouble. He’s probably not 100% yet either. I like this guy.

- Wall and Patterson both had double-doubles last game. Who will it be today?

- Perry Stevenson only got one minute against Rider. It’ll be interesting to see if he ever finds a role on this offense (or defense). He’s shown flashes (albeit very brief) of brilliance the last couple seasons, so here’s hoping he can make his senior one memorable.

Enjoy the game. Go Cats!