Mabor....
- Thread starter *4purdue*
- Start date
I'm not sure Joe Barry Caroll played until his junior year as well...maybe Akeem as well before going to Houston. Seems like either Louie Dampier or Darrell Carrier was in the same boat. The kid is agile and has size...there is a place in basketball for him if he wants it...
Jordan got cut as a freshman
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Someone only played soccer in Africa, but became a great Basketball player here, not sure who it was. You can't coach agility or size ... or wanting it. So, he has at least 2 of the 3.
It sound like you are describing Akeem Olaijuwan, who was a soccer goalie in Africa. I would say that he developed into one of the top 20 basketball players of all time.
Yes, I didn't want to attempt to spell his last name
Soccer could be a big help in basketball. I know years ago, Argos had a nice basketball team and some thought earlier years in soccer played a part.
Hakeem Olajuwon's story is an intriguing one, and also a tale of perseverance. He still doesn't get quite the credit he deserves, IMO.
He worked a lot harder than many know to transform the raw athletic ability into that of a hall-of-fame center, who for a period of time was almost unstoppable from the baseline and was a defensive beast as well. One of my favorite un-sung great players.
He worked a lot harder than many know to transform the raw athletic ability into that of a hall-of-fame center, who for a period of time was almost unstoppable from the baseline and was a defensive beast as well. One of my favorite un-sung great players.
Right now, but I'm sure there will probably be transfers between now and then.
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I think “greatness” almost always has a story of perseverance, perspiration and patience (3P’s). Many times the result of discipline, dedication, determination and desire (4 D’s). It is a willingness to go above and beyond the typical price that is paid without a guarantee that the results follow. It is an area of sports through competition that brings about an appreciation for those efforts and the understanding that it is those things that are greater than any event that follows. When I see or hear about safe spaces…I cringe… and when I see what Biggie has done and continues to do…and what Rosie did, I know I’m looking at the better elements of humanity.
I knew Purdue was getting a warrior above and beyond a good ball player, but had no idea just how much of a warrior. There are other examples as you say...Hakeem, Ewing and others that warrant a level of respect above and beyond what transends between the lines. It is all the events that surround the sports rather than the sports, that is paramount and applicable to life!
IMHO he is a top 5 all time greatest players. A beast on both sides of the floor. very underrated. If I was starting a team from scratch, only Jordan and LeBron would be above him.
That seems a little high to me. If I am going to build around a center, I would go with a young Kareem. I have never seen a move in basketball to rival his skyhook.
From what I hear, he's a super nice kid. Doesn't really love the game of basketball at this point, but he is smart and realizes it may be a means to an end for him.
He has said previously he has NBA aspirations, but he has A LOT of work to do before that's any possiblity
