Old School Sunday - When Dunk Contests Were Good

Like many of you I sat through the 2010 NBA Dunk Contest in hope that eventually some energy would creep into the contest. I did not scoot to the edge of my couch one time in anticipation that something exciting would happen.

No doubt New York Knick Nate Robinson was the best dunker today, but there are only so many times I can see the little man from Seattle lob the ball and dunk it.

By the end of it all, Twitter kept me entertained as my group of ground bound friends made hilarious comment after hilarious comment after each dunk.

Here is some old footage of former dunk contests that brought some thunder and atmosphere to the arena.

Enjoy as the NBA Dunk Contest is dying a slow death, unless LeBron James, Dwight Howard and maybe Kobe Bryant answer the bell.

This one never gets old - Nique vs MJ



Vince Carter - 2000



Dee Brown - 1991

New McDonalds Ad

Years ago it was Larry Bird and Michael Jordan playing H-O-R-S-E for a Big Mac and fries for lunch.

Now Gen Y has their go at re-creating the classic commercial. Take a look at the new Lebron James and Dwight Howard version of the McDonald's ad made legendary by the Hall of Famers.

As usual, Larry Legend leaves the winner.


THE OLD


THE NEW

Breakfast With Craig Ehlo

As my quick trip to the USA is nearing an end, the hits just keep on coming.

This morning I meander down to breakfast rather late, as I watched both NBL games via the "live" updates to the wee hours of this morning, only to have the pleasure to meet Craig Ehlo.

The first thing to spring to mind was the "shot" but I could not muster up the testosterone to ask him about one of the most recognisable plays in NBA history. (Think 1989 Playoffs, Bulls vs Cavs)

Instead as we began with some general chit chat, he mentioned how a New Zealand media outlet called him last Saturday to talk about Michael Jordan's game winning free throw line jumper.

Another discussion point (as we ate Vegemite toast) was Mark Price's coaching experience with the South Dragons. Ehlo was well aware that his former backcourt partner had a brief stint in the southern hemisphere.

Well, it time to head to shoot around as the Gonzaga Bulldogs prepare to battle the San Francisco Dons tonight.

MJ vs Russell

According to Yahoo! Sports Marc J. Spears, Bryon Russell (of Utah Jazz fame) and Michael Jordan (not sure what his claim to fame is) are about to engage in a one-on-one battle on the court.

Jordan hinted at the idea during his Hall of Fame speech. In the meantime Russell has been working behind the scenes trying to make it work, financially for Jordan.

What are the odds of the game ending with Jordan stepping back and nailing a fade away "J" in Russell's face?

Here is how Spears reported the concept:

"Bryon Russell thinks he’s lined up enough cash and TV interest to lure Michael Jordan into a one-on-one exhibition.

Jordan called out Russell during his Hall of Fame speech, saying the former Utah Jazz swingman motivated him with his trash-talking. He challenged Russell, saying: “From this day forward, if I ever see him in shorts, I’m coming at him.”

Russell responded by telling Yahoo! Sports he would play Jordan anytime.

Russell now says he has substantial financial backing to stage a public one-on-one game, but declined to give details. He hopes to talk to Jordan soon in person and seek his approval.

“I am hoping it can get done because everybody wants to see it,” Russell said to Yahoo! Sports. “I wasn’t the one that called me out. I’m just returning the favor. I think people will fall in love with it to see M.J. and Bryon going at it again.

“I just need him to see what I got. And I guarantee you he will fall in love with what I got. It could be a very lucrative event for him that could put a smile on his face even after he loses.”"

John Stockton - HOF Speech

While the weekend basketball buzz is all about Michael Jordan being inducted to the Basketball Hall Of Fame in the USA, here is the greatest Zag of all-time being inducted.

Below is John Stockton's speech that he made during the HOF ceremony.

True to his word, his brother Steve was/is a baller.

I was introduced to both the Stockton boys when I was fresh faced and new to the Gonzaga campus.

Sure I knew who John Stockton was, and I could not wait to get onto the floor to kick his ass but I was more interested to find out where his brother played.

Steve was blessed with a mirror image game of his brother's, right down to the trademark one hand pass. I guess he passed a few of his tips onto his younger brother in those drive way battles.

I remember asking the question one day at an open gym session,"What country does Steve play in?", thinking he at least played overseas.

He had never played pro ball in his life.

Back to HOF Stockton. He was the ultimate professional and I guess I can say by seeing him go about his business on a day to day basis, it helped me realize what dedication is required if I wanted to become a successful pro.

He would lift weights, then work out individually then return in the afternoon to scrimmage against the college guys.

Now scrimmaging against him was fun. It was a buzz to be on his team, but a great challenge to play against him. You certainly cherished a win on the odd day when you would catch him off guard.

I have to say though, I did question his scorekeeping abilities on more than one occasion but that's what made it fun.

Congratulations to John Stockton and his family. Quite an achievement, but no one deserves it more than you.

Vintage MJ

Footage has surfaced of a 46 yo Michael Joradan still holdong court with that lethal fade away.