The 2008 Naismith Hall of Fame class has been announced. Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, Adrian Dantley (finally!), Pat Riley, Dick Vitale, coach Cathy Rush and owner William Davidson are all now part of the hoops Valhalla.
Remember the days when Dominique Wilkins was shut out of the Hall? That injustice (later rectified) inspired Lang Whitaker to start the SLAM Hall of Fame on the old SLAM website. I wrote the induction for Hakeem Olajuwon, which I thought I'd reproduce here. Enjoy:
"Hakeem" is an Arabic word which means 'wise one'. Early in his career, Olajuwon was merely "Akeem"; a talented but temperamental youngster. Akeem came close to the promised land once, but was crushed by the Celtics. Later, Olajuwon became self-controlled. Hakeem rolled to the Summit twice, in '94 and '95. They say that Barkley, Malone, Stockton, Ewing and Payton never won any rings because they had to beat Jordan. That may be true, but they all had a two-year window to win it when Money was in the minors. The truth is... Hakeem was in control; Just ask David Robinson.
Welcome
"We, the elite Linkstigators, have formed like Voltron, We could have used our powers for evil. It was quite tempting, actually. But instead, we have decided to bless the internets with the most slammin' blog (no pun intended). A blog which is dedicated mainly to the game of basketball, but also to diverse topics such as Mountain Dew Code Red, Democratic primaries, Guitar Hero 3 and post-structuralism. We are sponsored by Nabisco."
The Players
Cheryl
Cheryl will offer “A Sistah’s Point of View” (ASPOV) to this madness, because as you will read over the next few months, it will be needed. I see connections, like Haley Joel Osment sees dead people. Connections between modern sports, culture, politics, race and racialization, art and dance, religion and myth. I will try to point these out without being too esoteric or dogmatic (but if I am, sue me). But what you can always expect is that I will be open, honest, and often catty. (That was an awfully un-feminist thing to say, huh?)”
Eboy
White Hot Eboy, or just plain E, is a polarizing figure. On the SLAM site, the place of his e-origin, Eboy seems to move between love for his regular foils to sheer unbridled hate for his detractors. Here in this blogventure, look for Eboy to speak on basketball in all forms, movies, tv, politics, sports in general and anything else that he can throw his opinion at. Besides, he's legally obligated to be truthful and forthright, so stay ready, an E-storm is brewing.
TADOne
TADOne, or just plain TAD, is quite possibly the most sane member of this blog group, although, that is not saying much. My sarcasm, or just plain lack of empathy, has been known to reach epic levels of true disdain. Because of this, I have a love of binge drinking and mindless humor. Therapy is good.
Tariq
I am a sensitive, delicate soul. I use sarcasm and cynicism as self-defense mechanisms, douchebag. I do this to protect my faberge-egg-like psyche. If only I could increase my self-confidence, maybe then I could achieve a moment of sincerity. But I can't. So instead I have to be content with writing sublime pieces which delve into the realms of basketball, football (American), football (real), literature, religion, The Legend of Zelda and Reese's Pieces. I may even occassionally shed some insight into the complexities of the human condition. No promises, though.
My turn-ons are non-smokers and world peace. My turn-offs include crystal meth and springtime.
AR
You may (though most likely don't) know me as commenter H to the izzo from SLAMonline.I will no longer answer to that moniker-ever.I'm retiring only to return again,but this won't be no Linkin Park collaboration.My list of lifetime achievements include being the second most foreign member.The youngest member,the least educated member.I roughly rank as the 3rd most white member and am three time Vodka chugging champion in my district.I intend to prove that basketball opinion and having little else better to do are a dangerous mix.I am usually wrong and am possessed by the ghost of Charles Oakley's right fist.
1 comments:
Tariq!!!!! How can i join this party or was this site made to avoid me? why am i even asking that, of course it was!!!! Whatever, i will just be a reader here i guess. Sincerely,
Pretty Kitty (BET)
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