DAVE DeBUSSCHERE

University of Detroit, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks. And…he pitched for the Chicago White Sox.

DENNIS RODMAN

The late Chuck Daly on the Hall-of-Famer…who happens to have 5 championship rings.

“He doesn’t know anything else but playing hard. He can win 6 to 10 games by himself with his defense and rebounding.”

E-Mail:  Hoops135@hotmail.com

GOD SHAMMGOD

Happy birthday to the former LaSalle Academy point guard.

God would go on to Providence College where he played for Pete Gillen for two seasons.

In 1997-98 he played 20 games for the Washington Wizards.

The New York City native with the sweet handle is currently a player development coach with the Dallas Mavericks.

E-Mail:  Hoops135@hotmail.com

THE FIGHT

Outstanding story from Harvey Araton in “How to Be Like Mike,” by Pat Williams.

1992 Eastern Conference semi-finals at Madison Square Garden.  After Scottie Pippen was knocked down by John Starks while driving to the basket, a timeout was called, Pippen was dazed and bloodied.   Michael Jordan shoved Phil Jackson out of the way in the huddle and kneeled in front of Pippen, stared at him hard and said;

“Don’t you dare take that from them!  Don’t let them do that to you.  You’re getting the ball and you take it to the hole as hard as you can.”

E-Mail:  Hoops135@hotmail.com

SCOTTIE PIPPEN

On Dennis Rodman:

“Dennis knows how to play his role well. He has a great understanding of what it takes to win. He’s a huge reason for our success.”

(Source:  The Last Dance Documentary)

E-mail:  Hoops135@hotmail.com

THE LAST DANCE

Episodes 3 and 4 last night on ESPN.  10-part documentary on the Chicago Bulls, focusing on their 1997-98 season which would be the last for Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.

Like my friend Tom Crawford said, “It’s riveting, no other way to describe it…time flew…I was that absorbed…provided “escape” when I needed to “escape.”

Last night’s episodes focused on Dennis Rodman.   The Worm had an excellent breakdown on his rebounding methods.  Must watch for all basketball players.

What is up with this discussion about the handshake situation?  After the Bulls swept the Pistons in the 1991 Eastern conference finals, a few Detroit players walked off the court before the final buzzer, passing Chicago’s bench not saying a word.  Fans are talking about the Celtics not shaking hands with the Pistons before that.  That has nothing to do with Chicago and Detroit.  Michael Jordan shook hands with the Pistons in 88 and 89 when Chicago was eliminated by Detroit.

Brooklyn native John Salley was interviewed last night on the Scott Van Pelt Show on ESPN.  He talked about his time with the Bulls and Pistons.  He had this to say about Michael Jordan:  “He was the greatest basketball player in the history of the game. Kobe, very close. LeBron very close. There’s nothing like M.J.”

E-Mail:  Hoops135@hotmail.com

SWEAT EQUITY

Indiana Pacers assistant coach Bill Bayno on how to build relationships with your players:

1-Get out on the court and work with the players.

2-Show them how to get better.

3-Build a bond and trust with them.

4-No agenda.

5-Put the players first.

6-Help them get better.

E-Mail:  Hoops135@hotmail.com

TIM DUNCAN

Happy birthday to the “Big Fundamental.”

MY OBSESSION

Often times when someone says that “so and so” is obsessed, it sounds negative.

This morning I read two things about being obsessed – now this is the third.

Kobe Bryant and his obsession for improvement.  Being obsessed with something is not a bad thing, especially when it comes to your improvement in a sport like basketball.

This was pulled from an article in the Athletic by Jay King.  Here’s the link.  It’s a good read.  https://theathletic.com/1564170/2020/01/27/mike-procopio-kobe-bryant-video-coach/?fbclid=IwAR0t_eh5U7r4t9VN3F9cLe-Cy8YdRZlwGhzrZ3OcuIciUya4fNXXFr6PuRY

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