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Don Ohl: For Ohl Lang Syne, 1962

Now, Don’s confidence has returned. Understandably cautious early in the 1964-65 season, his first in Baltimore, he finished with a rush and was named the Bullets’ most valuable player.

Michael Ray Richardson: With Sugar on Top, 1981

“When I first came into the league, I thought everyone was Superman. I was shaky, but during the summer, I began to realize that the players are good and that I belonged here.”

Billy Ray Bates: Dunks & Downs of a Portland Legend, 1995

For all of the Bates’ mid-air poetry and last-second heroics, ultimately it was his endearing nature that made him a fan favorite and later a cult hero.

Michael Cooper: Two for Coop, 1980

By the time Cooper was a senior, his game had done a 180. He couldn’t wait to get back on defense. Offense was like a coffee-shop meal; he couldn’t wait to get it over with.

Dale Ellis: Shooting for the Stars, 1989

The fact is that Ellis is the closest thing to a shooting machine in the game today.

Dennis Scott: Rookie Year in Review, 1991

Things all came together for Scott in March, when he averaged more than 19 points a game—including 25 points or more on four occasions—to go with 3.5 rebounds and slightly more than two assists a contest.

Mike Riordan: Bags on the Run, 1973

For the next year, during the 1968–69 season, Mike’s uniform stayed clean and dry; mostly, he just mastered the art of giving fouls, an art now extinct, killed by a rule change.

Rolando Blackman: Steady as He Goes, 1991

“It’s an incredible thrill for me to be in this position,” Blackman says. “Believe me, nobody is more surprised to see me here than I am. I feel like I’m living out a dream.”

Guy Rodgers: ‘He’ll Get the Ball to You Somehow,’ 1965

To his teammates and NBA opponents, Rodgers ranks right up at the top of the list with Cousy and Robertson when it comes to passing and dribbling ability.

Red Auerbach: Welcome to the NBA, Patrick Ewing, 1985

The point is, if the Knicks think they’re getting a finished, polished ballplayer, they’re crazy. I just hope they don’t expect too much too soon.