White Men Can Jump (Into the HOF)

     Months ago, this year's batch of Hall of Fame nominees was embroiled in a controversy, as former Indian Pacer Reggie Miller, who was made eligible this year, was completely snubbed.  While hundreds have expressed their anger and want to disregard this year's batch, I'm not.  This year's batch is especially significant as my basketball hero, Chris Mullin is an inductee.

Mullin with his HOF Jersey

     Usually, NBA players who make the "Hall" are household names, especially in basketball-crazy lands like the Philippines.  Mullin may not be.  He lacked the speed and athleticism usually possessed by the greats, but he achieved his greatness through hardwork, skill, determination and IQ.  That, of course, doesn't translate to much popularity and that's perfectly understandable but still perfectly unacceptable.


     If you want to go by numbers, the man's got them.  In sterling 16 year career, the St. John's All American averaged an astonishing line, including 18.2 points, 4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals.  Look deeper into the numbers and you will see his greatness further.  In a five season stretch during his prime (1988-93), Mullin averaged 25.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.6 steals per game.  What makes those numbers even more impressive is that he did all that while shooting 52% from the field, which is astounding for any player, let alone an outside shooter.  Those numbers are actually better than Joe Johnson's and Paul Pierce's numbers for the past 5 years, and even Dirk Nowitzki's numbers, save for the rebounds. 

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Shorts: Numerology

     Okay, so I turned 31 this week.  Wondering what kind of year my 31st will be, I took a look at some NBA players who have worn the number 31 for most or all of their careers for some answers.  


Pacemaker

      Right out of UCLA, reed-thin Reggie Miller donned the number 31 for the Indiana Pacers.  Known as Cheryl Miller's kid brother, Reggie bucked the odds and silenced the doubters as he proved he could not only survive the NBA but also dominate despite his slight build.  Miller played 18 fruitful seasons (all for the Pacers), marking his career with an amazing 8 point explosion in less than 15 game seconds against the Knicks, over 1000 three point shots converted and timeless playoff battles against John Starks and Michael Jordan.  Unfortunately, the sharpshooter was never rewarded with a championship, coming close in the 2000 NBA finals.  Question is, will my year feature amazing accomplishments like Miller's infamous playoff scoring sprees and duels or will the year be one big heartbreak like Reggie's inability to win a championship?

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