Behind the
Spurs vs the Nets
I was one happy guy when the Lakers lost to the Spurs. For one thing I hate dynasties, but the bigger reason is I'd like to see David Robinson go on to retirement with a bang. Let me tell you something about this humble guy. The Naval Academy is not the traditional way to one goes on to be an NBA superstar. The Navy team is unlikely to ever reach the top 20-college team again, after David played. One reason is that the Navy doesn't accept Midshipmen over 6 ft 7 inch tall.
“One reason is that the Navy
doesn't accept Midshipmen over
6 ft 7 inch tall.”
He was only accepted because he
was about that height when he applied for admission. He was also
accepted because of a very high SAT score. By his sophomore year
he grew another 4-5 inches (freaky but don't we all wish we did at that
age). By this time the Navy had a big man in the middle, even though
it should not have been possible. I remember the team reaching the March
Madness Sweet 16 in his junior year. By his senior year, he was
named All-American and offered a multi-million-dollar contract from
the NBA. The salary of a navy job he was obligated to take in exchange
for a free college education paled in comparison. Despite being granted
an option out from the Navy, he turned down the NBA offer. After
serving his duties, he signed with the San Antonio team and become one
of the 50 greatest basketball players of all time.
There are few things that I don't understand in
Basketball. It defies gravity - yes, some men can jump higher, but I am
amazed when players jump and seem to stay longer at the peak of the arc. I
remember watching Julius Ervin's Aerial of the New York Nets, (yes
I am an oldtimer) jumping over the paint and floating longer in the air
as if he had wings and the defenders were on the way down.
It is timing. Abraham Lincoln would certainly get a lot of a scholastic
offer if he were going to college now. Mainly because of his strength
and height. You could say that he would have faced a lot of competition
from the sons of slaves who now dominate the NBA teams. The the sons of
the de-franchised men he emancipated century ago are now franchised players. I
say however that record speaks for itself. In Gettysburg Lincoln only
scored 4 in seven years.
Lets go Nets and thank you Mr. Robinson. You are an Officer and a Gentleman.
