bobkuska

Terry Dischinger: Two Toots for ‘Terrible Terry,’ 1964

This serious fellow had been in the habit of coming out first in anything that he undertakes.

Moses Malone: ‘Why Pro Basketball Players Will Love Me,’ 1975

Guaranteed, the Stars will not hesitate in playing him as often as possible this season. He is too valuable a commodity—and too good a product, both on and off the court—to waste sitting on the bench.

Jack Twyman: TV Hoopla, 1970

ABC and the NBA are currently working on a multiyear contract, primetime telecasts are more in evidence than ever before, the number of games televised each year increases, and the ratings are up. The NBA has come a long way.

Vince Carter: Air Carter Takes Off in Toronto, 2000

He has become the prototypical player for the basketball fan of the future. He enjoys himself in action, and he makes sure you enjoy yourself watching him.

Red Auerbach: The Aborted Interview, 1978

oday, people are playing ball with one eye looking up at dollar signs. They figure they cannot make it by playing defense and by being a sacrificing team player.

NBA Rebels: Are They Worth the Trouble? 1995

On national television, Charles Barkley kicks in folding chairs, Scottie Pippen throws them. And these furniture guys are the Jordan Heirs?

Who is Derrick Coleman? 1993

Despite wearing a scowl on the court, instead of a smile like Magic Johnson, Coleman plays the game just as hard, just as smart, and with more finesse than just about any other power forward in the NBA.

Checking in with Bill Melchionni

Bill Melchionni, a three-time ABA all-star with the New York Nets, recently joined the podcast No Weak Stuff to talk about his basketball career, from Villanova University to the pros (NBA and ABA). Melchionni discusses the 1973-1974 Nets, the youngest ABA title team, and its similarities with last season’s young Oklahoma City Thunder squad. MelchionniContinue reading “Checking in with Bill Melchionni”

Farewell to Bob Cousy, 1963

A couple of players were in one corner, autographing basketballs. Auerbach was sitting alone, reading mail. We shook hands, and I said, “What about Cousy?”

“What can you say when you know you’re going to lose the greatest backcourtman who ever lived?” Red said. “Nobody will ever take his place. There’s only one Cousy.”

Bob Cousy Day: Take Two, 1963

There were no stoics at the Garden. Men and women wept without shame and with pride and love. It was like that folk song line, “The tears flowed like wine.”