Gymkata wrote:Career pick-up pro and starting center in the local parks and rec league. (Nothing boosts the self-image like blocking the jump shots of 50 year-old arthritics.)Follow-up question: were there any Knicks that you tried to emulate on the court? Ewing, for me; lots of baseline turnarounds fadeaways and the occasional three-step lateral dribble-drive to the hoop.
1972 Im like 10 years old. Team Im on had brown shirts. Got some gold suede "Clydes" to go with my gold satin shorts and my fade away jump shot was complete! ( Just joking! Jumper came at about 14 years old from what I can recall)
Clyde was my child hood hero. The way he got space on his jump shot was my staple. I studied it. Worked until highschool when I stopped growing at 5'9 and tall dudes would come from "knowwhere" to get my "Shyt".
Back to the rec league where it worked best.
I loved playing and played real good ball in college where I got more explosive and could touch the rim but nasty neck injury on the court of all places retired me for all practical purposes. Made one comeback 20 lbs lighter and was quicker than ever but was too protective of the neck and did not like playing in fear.
Tennis at age 51 suites me fine. No contact and lots of fundamental footwork to work on. Knees, hips, ankles still are a factor but I don't have to jump much.
Its not the same. Serving an Ace is not the same as a sweet jumper but it ain't bad either. Im grateful to be playing anything at a competitive level and enjoy training for it.
Other than shoot in the back yard with my son I have not played a game in 25 years.
I can still remember some highlights though. Good times!
6/24/2012 7:57 PM
